[Start lists are up!] Most of the top sprinters are on the start in the free technique sprint which opens the pre-Olympic World Cups in Sochi, Russia tomorrow. Reports from the athletes testing the sprint course today have been very positive: A real sprint course – with some tough uphills is the typical characterization.
The Sochi weekend continues with Skiathlon on Saturday and team sprint on Sunday.
- Set up your predictions for Friday’s sprint ahead of the start of the qualification Friday at 09:30 CET
- Set up your predictions for Saturday’s Skiathlon before the start Saturday at 10:50 CET. Preview tables of previous results are published on the prediction page.
Men Sprint: Jönsson again?
Emil Jönsson has two victories in this discipline this season
The Swedes are again the big favourites in the free technique sprint. Emil Jönsson has two victories in this discipline this season, and he also raced impressively in Val Müstair until towards the end of the race. Another Swede, Teodor Peterson, won the third free technique race this season. The Russians are big outsider on home ground – and also count in the Norwegians who have struggled a bit in free technique sprint lately. But maybe Hattestad is back in top shape?
Women Sprint: Randall still in shape?
In the women’s class Kikkan Randall is the big favourite with impressive racing this season. Ida Ingemarsdotter is still searching for her fantastic shape from last year – and might be able to challenge Randall if everything fits. Also look out for Celine Brun Lie and the German skiers.
Skiathlon
The Skiathlon races are very open – this is a race form which is not been skied very often by all the best skiers. Look out for Therese Johaug among the women and Petter Northug among the men.
More information can be viewed at www.worldofxc.com
