13:00. The traditional FIS cross-country skiing races kicked off this Friday in Muonio, in the north of Finland. On the programme was a classic sprint featuring many athletes used to competing on the World Cup circuit.
In the women’s event, Jasmi Joensuu came out on top on home soil. Fourth in the qualifying round held earlier in the morning, the Finn delivered a high-flying final to claim victory from under the nose of Germany’s Laura Gimmler, first in the prologue and impressive throughout the tournament. Like her compatriot, Coletta Rydzek was also in the mix as the rounds went on, completing the top 3.
In the men’s race, Erik Valnes assumed his status. The overwhelming favourite of the day, the Norwegian, despite being beaten by Ville Ahonen in qualifying, left no stone unturned in the final to win by more than a second and a half ahead of local rider Lauri Vuorinen. On the third step of the podium was the experienced Italian Federico Pellegrino, who had been on site for a few days following a training session with the Italian team.
Full results
Womens
Mens
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