After the sprint finals in Falun, the topics of conversation were the Norwegian-Swedish crash and Norwegian star Kristine Stavås Skistad’s gesture towards the audience.
The final round of the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup in Falun started on Friday with traditional skiing sprints. The winners did not surprise: Norway Johannes Hösflot Kläbo and Kristine Stavås Skistad ensured that the Swedish Home Audience did not get to enjoy the victories on Friday.
There was enough drama behind the winners when By Erik Valnes and by Johan Häggström crashing on the downhill section before the final straight made it possible Lauri Vuorinen podium. Vuorinen was second and got on the podium for the first time in the World Cup on a personal journey.
Norwegian skier Valnes was asked after the race if his Swedish competitor could have done something differently.
– Don’t ski on me, Valnes said according to SVT.
Valnes was downright furious with Sweden’s Viaplay, he says Swedish newspaper Expressen.
– Damn idiot. He bumped into me from behind.
According to Valnes, he had slapped Häggström’s hand, but the two did not speak after the crash.
– It wouldn’t make sense. I’m too annoyed now. I’m annoyed with him and annoyed that I didn’t get to fight for the win. But it will pass. In two weeks, I think this kind of thing happens in sprints.
Häggström replied that he understood Valnes’ frustration.
– But you can see from the video that the hit was very small. I don’t feel that I pressured him unnecessarily on the bill.
Häggström said that he and Valnes were aiming for the same track in the descent. According to Häggström, he landed straight, while Valnes changed his line a bit, too late.
Häggström was not disturbed by the “Idiot” cries.
– I’m not so worried about what he says and thinks, especially five minutes after the race.
Häggström was in the sprint final for the first time this season. He was found to be at fault for the crash, so the competition jury sentenced him to the last, sixth place in the final.
However, Häggström was not disqualified from the entire sprint, as Valnes demanded.
Häggström was not really interested in the verdict, because he felt that the fall already ruined the race for both. In addition, he pointed out that earlier in the season Emma Ribomin the race was ruined in the same way, and the jury didn’t disqualify anyone either.
Skistad attracted attention again
In the women’s sprint Linn Svahn and Jonna Sundling took places two and three. The top prize is Svahn’s 12th of the season. The Swedes took 25 podium places out of 42 possible in the women’s sprints this season.
One of the topics of conversation throughout the ski season has been the competition between Norwegian Skistad and Swedes in women’s sprints. Skistad has confused with his reactions, which have angered the Norwegian media.
Earlier, Skistad, for example, sent flying kisses to those behind him at the finish line when he won an overwhelming victory.
This time he put his finger in front of his mouth, signaling that the Swedish audience had been silenced.
– I thought that I now have permission to do so. It’s very nice to win in Sweden, Skistad stated to SVT.
– I’m not surprised. He likes to do things like that, Sweden’s Emma Ribom answered when asked about Skistad’s tricks.
The wins in the overall sprint cup race went to Kläbo and Svahn.
Gentlemen:
1. Johannes H. Kläbo NOR 2.56,78
2. Lauri Vuorinen FIN +1.14
3. Harald Ö. Amundsen’s NOR +1.37
4. Even Northug NOR +1.91
5. Erik Valnes NOR +1.11,4
6. Johan Häggström SWE +40.11
18. Joni Mäki FIN
35. Emil Liekari FIN
39. Niilo Moilanen FIN
40. Ville Ahonen FIN
55. Juuso Haarala FIN
Ladies:
1. Kristine S. Skistad NOR 3.16,1
2. Linn Svahn SWE +1.2
3. Jonna Sundling SWE +1.6
4. Emma Ribom SWE +5.4
5. Laura Gimmler GER +5.9
6. Nadine Fähndrich SUI +7.9
15. Johanna Matintalo FIN
23. Kerttu Niskanen FIN
32. Jasmi Joensuu FIN
43. Anne Kyllönen FIN
49. Katri Lylynperä FIN
Tiia Olkkonen FIN interrupted