Petter Northug Jr. (NOR) and Kikkan Randall (USA) have won the free technique sprint competitions in Sochi, Russia. In the men's race Dario Cologna (SUI) landed on second place as David Hofer of Italy was third. In the ladies' Aurore Jean (FRA) claimed second place finish. Celine Brun-Lie of Norway was third.
- First sprint victory for Petter Northug Jr. since Rogla 2009
- Dario Cologna has taken over the yellow bib for the Overall World Cup leader
- First ever individual World Cup podium for David Hofer (ITA)
- Third sprint victory for Kikkan Randall this season
- First ever podium for Aurore Jean (FRA)
- Aurore Jean was lucky loser in the first semifinal
ATHLETES' QUOTES
Kikkan Randall (USA)
I am very happy. I was feeling a little sick earlier and I am happy that I was able to get back on my skis and run in the race today. It was a little difficult to see because of the snow but I am from Alaska where it snows a lot, so I am used to this kind of weather. When I first got here, I thought to myself that this is what I always imagine an Olympic course to be like, before I ever got to one. This course has a very Olympic feel to it, similar to the Vancouver course. It also has a long stretch before the finish, and the finish line in the full view of the tribunes. I think there is going to be a lot of drama here next year.
Aurore Jean (FRA)
It is amazing to on the podium. It was a great day. I felt very good since the morning, I had perfect skis. I almost started crying when I crossed the finish. The result has given me confidence to the next year.
Celine Brun-Lie (NOR)
I am happy about the third place today. I felt good the whole day. I liked the sprint course, it is very nice to be competing in Sochi and to test the courses for the Olympics.
Petter Northug Jr. (NOR)
It's been a tough day and it's very hard when it snows like this. But I got a good feeling from the quarterfinal through to the final today. I like slow conditions. I hope it snows tomorrow (Saturday) and next year. I think the course fits me well. It was easier for me to go from semifinal to the final than to go through the quarterfinal where all the sprinters were full of power.
Dario Cologna (SUI)
It was a good day. I was fast in the qualification and also in the heats. I feel my shape is going up. Second place today is also a good sign for the next year.
David Hofer (ITA)
It's my first individual podium in my career. It is a great success. It has given me motivation for further training and hopes. I like free technique. At the Olympics sprint is in skating and also 50 km. We will see what the result will be.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
1. Kikkan Randall (USA)
2. Aurore Jean (FRA)
3. Celine Brun-Lie (NOR)
1. Petter Northug Jr. (NOR)
2. Dario Cologna (SUI)
3. David Hofer (ITA)
Complete results are available here.
OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDINGS
1. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) 1372 pts
2. Therese Johaug (NOR) 947 pts
3. KIkkan Randall (USA) 874 pts
1. Dario Cologna (SUI) 898 pts
2. Alexander Legkov (RUS) 865 pts
3. Petter Northug Jr. (NOR) 859 pts
OVERALL SPRINT WORLD CUP STANDINGS
1. Kikkan Randall (USA) 356 pts
2. Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR) 240 pts
3. Celine Brun-Lie (NOR) 195 pts
1. Emil Joensson (SWE) 342 pts
2. Nikita Kruikov (RUS) 213 pts
3. Teodor Peterson (SWE) 210 pts
WEATHER
Limited visibility, packed powder snow conditions, air: -1.7°C, snow: 0.0°C
