Kikkan Randall (USA) and Emil Joensson (SWE) were on fire today as they powered to their first individual sprint World Cup victories of the season. Randall was strong the whole day and put down the third fastest qualification time and dominated both her quarterfinal and semifinal. In the final Randall claimed a decisive win ahead of Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR) and Ida Ingemarsdotter (SWE).
Emil Joensson (SWE) was unbeatable today and with fastest qualification time led all the way through to the finals. Teodor Petterson (SWE) claimed second place as Alexey Petukhov of Russia landed in third.
- First individual sprint World Cup victory for Kikkan Randall (USA) this season
- Fifth podium for Kikkan Randall on World Cup level this season
- Randall went in the lead in the second 0.8 km lap and came unchallenged to the finish line
- Kikkan Randall has taken over the lead in the Sprint World Cup
- First World Cup podium for Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR) this season
- Photo finish in the first semifinal between Falla, Oestberg and Malvalehto
- First World Cup sprint appearance this season for Ida Ingemarsdotter (SWE)
- First podium for Emil Joensson (SWE) this winter
- Joensson powered away from the field on the final stretch
- Photo finish for Peterson and Petukhov
Ida Ingemarsdotter (SWE)
In the last lap I knew something was happening. I watched for my position. I am very satisfied with my third place. It is a good start of the season for me.
Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR)
My plan was to be fast from the beginning. I wanted to stay in front to stay away from any crashes. Our team has done a great job. We are where we we want to be at this time of the year. It is fun to see USA's performances. They have done a very good job in summer training.
Kikkan Randall (USA)
We always felt deep down that if we trained hard enough and wanted it bad enough we could be on the top of the podium. It took many years and many small steps to get up to that point and now we're starting to really just believe and have good confidence. We have many girls working together and pushing together so I think the real reward for us was to be able to put together really strong performances here when our friends and family get to see us in action - which does not happen very often.
The whole atmosphere helped my performance today. We had a lot of enthusiasm coming into the morning, the staff did a great job with the skis to make sure we could just go out there and have fun. The crowd was unbelievable to see so many American flags and face paint. To be able to do that victory lap afterwards was something I will definitely remember for the rest of my life.
Alexey Petukhov (RUS)
I wanted to win today, but Emil and Teodor were in good shape. I want to thank Quebec for a great event. The competitions were excellent with a great atmosphere. It was the first time I was here and I liked it a lot.
Teodor Petterson (SWE)
Last year we had couple of city sprints and this one was one of the best. The course was very good and crowds made the competitions special. We skiers would like to experience the atmosphere of Québec again. The tactics are different in each competition. Today I skied little behind and it worked fine for me.
Emil Joensson (SWE)
We have a strong team and good guys. It is good to train together and we push each other in training. It is not time relax, the fight on top is tough. There are many skiers and nations out there. I want to train hard and be in even better shape.
Official Results
Ladies 1.6 km Free Sprint
1. Kikkan Randall USA
2. Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR)
3. Ida Ingemarsdotter (SWE)
Women's final results here
Men 1.6 km Free Sprint
1. Emil Joensson SWE
2. Teodor Petterson SWE
3. Alexey Petukhov RUS
Men's final results here
Sprint World Cup Standing Ladies
1. Kikkan Randall USA 126 points
2. Maiken Caspersen Falla NOR 80 points
3. Anne Kylloenen FIN 76 points
Sprint World Cup Standing Men
1. Emil Joensson SWE 128 points
2. Teodor Peterson SWE 110 points
3. Alexey Petukhov RUS 92 points
Weather and Snow
Snowing, Air 0.8°C, snow -0.7°C. Snow: soft artificial snow
Action Photos
Please note that high quality action and podium pictures from today’s competitions are available for purchase through the Internet portal offered by Nordic Focus, FIS Partner for photos from the Nordic Disciplines, at www.nordicfocus.com
