Sprint C launched the FIS Cross-Country World Cup 2019/20

The Finnish air at Ruka Nordics Cross-Country stadium was filled with anticipation for the first competition of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup. Not only the competition for the first World Cup points have begun, but also the first possibility to check-out the contenders form and performances.

Back on her favourite course and full of energy for the new season, Maiken Caspersen Falla confidently pulled through until the final heat, securing the first World Cup points and the lead in the Ruka Tour, +2.33 seconds before Jonna Sundling (SWE) and Sadie Maubet-Bjornsen (USA). Unlucky 4th was Ane Appelkvist Stenseth (NOR) who finished with a photofinish and 0.01 seconds behind the US American.

Last years Overall World Cup and Sprint World Cup winner Johannes Høsflot Klæbo continued this season where he ended last year - on top of the podium. The young Norwegian who focussed his summer training more on becoming an allrounder clearly stated his strong shape by kicking off from the final heat group during the last climb in "Klæbo style", winning +4.17 seconds before his team colleague Paal Golberg.

Golberg showed a steady and fantastic performance and was very happy to be rewarded with the second rank. He is looking out to keep the steady performance going throughout the weekend and aims for a top-6 result for the following competition. French sprinter Richard Jouve completed the mens podium just +4.62 seconds behind Klæbo.

Yellow cards cause Ustiugov to be "ranked as last"

During the first heat of the mens quarter finals, Oskar Svensson (SWE) went out of the gate too early, causing a false start and thus received a yellow card. Few minutes later, Sergey Ustiugov (RUS) - starting in the same heat - also caused a false start and therefore also received a yellow card. Following the ICR 325.4.2.9 Sergey Ustiugov therefore was not allowed to continue the race.

Jonna Sundling

"I am really satisfied with this race. It's my first podium place in Classic Sprint so it was really fun to ski today."

Sadie Maubet-Bjornsen

"It was definitely incredible to start this season with a podium."

"I am really happy to finish on the podium because at one point half way through the race when I was at the far part of the course it did not look like I was going to reach that point but I was just fighting for every second right until the finish and good thing my toe was extra long right there at the line."

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo

"I did not look back at all and my goal was to go all through to the finish line."

"It was really nice to start the season this way but it will be surely be an interesting weekend. Tomorrow will be a tough day as Paal, Bolshunov and Emil Iversen are strong so we'll see tomorrow."

Paal Golberg

"I was a bit a slow starter today but I was lucky to get to the finals so I am very happy with my second rank. I have great expectations for tomorrow and hope to be amongst the top-3."

Richard Jouve

"I'm happy with today as its my best start in the World Cup."