Norway’s day but Swede’s season: Skistad and Klaebo win again as Dahlqvist retains sprint title

Kristine Stavaas Skistad confirmed her status as the form sprinter in women’s cross-country skiing on Saturday in Lahti, Finland, with a fourth straight victory, again pipping Sweden’s world and Olympic champion Jonna Sundling (SWE).

The Norwegian has bounced back spectacularly after missing out on a medal at the world championships in Planica, Slovenia, in February, and her efforts have clearly taken their toll. “I am glad the season is over,” the 24-year-old said. “I am going to rest.”

The real celebrating will be done by Maja Dahlqvist. The Swede finished second in her semi-final to overhaul Nadine Faehndrich, who had led the sprint standings for most of the season, and finished fifth in the same heat to deny Switzerland a first ever World Cup season title.

While Faehndrich was visibly devastated, Dahlqvist could not contain her delight at retaining the Crystal Globe. "It is absolutely unbelievably big," she said. "I'm really happy that it went all the way and I wouldn't have made it without my teammates.

"Oh, it was almost too exciting. This morning it felt almost impossible [to overhaul Faehndrich, who was 22 points ahead going into Saturday's sprint], but after the prologue I still dared to begin to sense that there was a possibility. I am incredibly happy that it went all the way and it has been an exciting duel all the way to the finish line."

Home favourite Kerttu Niskanen – and a fervent Finnish crowd – also suffered semi-final disappointment, finishing sixth behind Faehndrich, although the distance World Cup leader should feature strongly in Sunday’s 20km mass start.

The final itself was a classic – in more ways than one. Skistad led out, but – with the help of compatriot Ane Appelkvist Stenseth – slowed the pace on the first climb in the hope of making it a race to the line. Sundling responded, trying to pull clear on the next ascent, but Skistad was the only one to stay with her.

The two were 30 metres clear by the final turn, with Sundling holding the inside line and prime position. But the tall Norwegian moved wide as they made their way into the stadium and the race for first place was on. With all-out double poling to the finish, Skistad eventually crossed the line just 0.13 seconds ahead. Overall World Cup leader Tiril Udnes Weng (NOR) was a distant third, just ahead of Dahlqvist.

Klaebo eyes records and rest

With Federico Pellegrino (ITA) and Richard Jouve (FRA), the only racers to beat Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo in an individual sprint this season, failing to make it to the latter stages, the Norwegian was racing against himself – and history – in Saturday’s men’s sprint. One more World Cup victory over the short distance would take him to a record 40, level with another Norwegian legend Marit Bjoergen.

And on a course that featured steep climbs, fast descents and technical corners, it was never in doubt for Klaebo. Calle Halfvarsson (SWE) set a blistering early pace in the final, but the Olympic, world and World Cup sprint champion stayed in touch and led going into the final corner – a sharp left that has caused many crashes. The best double-poler in the world stormed clear yet again to cross 0.75 seconds ahead of Halfvarsson, who held off Erik Valnes (NOR), a winner with Klaebo in the team sprint on Friday.

Klaebo said: “Today was a little bit different course to yesterday – really far from the top all the way to the finish area. It’s hard because it’s very tactical but I’m really satisfied.

“I’m looking forward to getting done now, I have to be honest. It will be great to finish off the season now and have some days off.”

Before that, Klaebo goes in Sunday’s 20km mass start, where victory would make it 20 for the season, which would equal the record of Therese Johaug (NOR). History beckons again.

Click here for the full results from the women’s and men’s individual sprint classics.