Cross-country skiing : Kristine Staavas Skistad still the strongest in the classic sprint at Les Rousses
On 28 January 2023, on the Tuffes stadium in Les Rousses (Jura), Kristine Stavaas Skistad claimed her very first career success in the classic sprint of this French leg of the cross-country skiing World Cup. On Saturday, almost two years later, the Norwegian did it again.
Now one of the best-known names in the discipline, the mysterious Scandinavian mastered her day to perfection. Eighth in qualifying, the 25-year-old then laid the foundations in the quarters and semi-finals. And in the final round of the day, she was once again unflappable.
At the front throughout the course, the young woman then flew to victory at the start of the final straight. After undergoing stomach surgery before the winter, the skier from Konnerud (Norway) reassured herself by claiming her first victory of the season.
Behind her, her best Swedish rivals also shone. Third in Ruka (Finland) at the start of the winter, Maja Dahlqvist had a great day in the Jura. Second on the line, the Scandinavian had the luxury of edging out her compatriot Jonna Sundling. Laura Gimmler was impressive from qualifying onwards, but failed to claim her first podium on the circuit, finishing fourth.
Mélissa Gal, Léna Quintin and Léonie Besson reach the quarters
Three female cross-country skiers represented France at these finals. However, Mélissa Gal, Léna Quintin and Léonie Besson were unable to progress to the next round, thanks to the enthusiastic support of their fans.
Twentieth in the final rankings and one time lucky loser, Mélissa Gal was eliminated at this stage after competing for a long time in her pool. Léna Quintin was also beaten, finishing twenty-seventh.
Also in the quarter after a solid qualifying round, Léonie Besson was unlucky from the start of her round. When she broke her pole at the start, the Haut-Alpine was unable to compete, even though she seemed to be in good form, as evidenced by her effort to catch up with the leading group.
The full rankings
The overall sprint ranking
The overall World Cup standings
Read also
- Cross-country skiing | Les Rousses: Lucas Chanavat sixth, Edvin Anger winner of the classic sprint
- Cross-country skiing | Les Rousses: women’s classic sprint qualifiers for Kristine Stavaas Skistad, Léna Quintin and Mélissa Gal go through
- Cross-country skiing | Les Rousses: Lucas Chanavat second in classic sprint qualifying behind Ben Ogden, four other French qualifiers
