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.
