Nilsson and Brandsdal win Drammen classic sprints

Drammen, Norway) - Sweden’s Stina Nilsson and Norway’s Erik Brandsdal have won the 14th edition of the Drammen sprints. Nilsson took the win in a time of 3:07.57. Finland’s Krista Parmakoski took second place +0.42 seconds behind. Hanna Falk of Sweden was third +1.26 back of Nilsson.

On the men’s side Erik Brandsdal of Norway won in a time of 2:39.35. Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo also of Norway finished in second place +2.55 back. Russia’s Sergey Ustiugov came third +3.28 off of the winning time.

The World Cup now moves up the road to Oslo for the Holmenkollen weekend with 30 km and 50 km competitions in classic technique.

RACE FACTS

• First World Cup sprint podium for Parmakoski

• Nilsson now trails Falla by 46 points in sprint standings with 50 points remaining in final sprint in Quebec.
  8th victory of the season for Nilsson

• First win for Brandsdal since Drammen 2015

• Klaebo now leads sprint standings by 38 points ahead of Pellegrino

• Klaebo would be the youngest overall sprint winner by 3 years. Current youngest is Teodor Peterson of Sweden. He won at age of 23.

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ATHLETE QUOTES

Stina Nilsson SWE
It was a hard race. I had to fight to the end. I thought I could win and this feels really great. I was sure Maiken would win the sprint globe today. I don’t think it’s possible still to win it but there is still a chance and I will travel to Quebec and try my best.

Krista Parmakoski FIN
This is my first ever sprint podium. So I am really happy. I wasn’t sure how I would feel after the championships but I felt really strong today.

Hanna Falk SWE
I am happy with the podium today. This makes up a little bit for my 4th place finish at the World Championships so it feels good to come here today and get a podium.

Eirik Brandsdal NOR
That was hard. I was so stiff at the end. I think this is my first win since here in Drammen two years ago. It feels good to be back on top of the podium again.

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo NOR
I will travel now to Quebec and won’t race Holmenkollen this weekend. I just got the sprint leaders red bib and I will fight to keep it in Quebec and take the crystal globe.

Sergey Ustiugov RUS
I was the only non-Norwegian in the finals today. I am happy to be able to get on the podium to represent Russia. I wasn’t sure how I would feel after Lahti so I am happy with a podium today.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS - 1.2 km sprint classic

LADIES
1. Nilsson Stina SWE 3:07.57
2. Parmakoski Krista FIN +0.42
3. Falk Hanna SWE +1.26
4. Harsem Katherine Rolsted NOR +3.27
5. Ingemarsdotter Ida SWE +4.86
6. Lampic Anamarija SLO +9.67

Ladies'

MEN
1. Brandsdal Eirik NOR 2:39.35
2. Klaebo Johannes Hoesflot NOR +2.55
3. Ustiugov Sergey RUS +3.28
4. Northug Petter Jr. NOR +4.50
5. Golberg Paal NOR +5.99
6. Fossil Sondre Turvoll NOR +12.42

Men's

Overall Sprint World Cup Standings

Ladies
1. Falla Maiken Caspersen NOR 512 pts
2. Nilsson Stina SWE 470
3. Falk Hanna SWE 316

Men
1. Klaebo Johannes Hoesflot NOR 369 pts
2. Pellegrino Federico ITA 331
3. Ustiugov Sergey RUS 322