After the pole vault, Dahlqvist had no chance and finished sixth.
– I’m terribly disappointed that the pole is smoking, I felt fitter and fitter and I had hoped for a good placement after the illness, says Dahlqvist, who had to ride half a lap before she got a new one – and then it was too late.
– It felt good and I thought I would win this competition. Up the first hill I felt calm and that I had it. You never know, I needed two sticks to give it a try, says Dahlqvist, who went through a course of antibiotics that took a couple of weeks.
She hasn’t done a single hard session since Ruka a month ago.
Diggins: “A big surprise”
Reigning Tour de Ski winner Jessie Diggins got off to a flying start and won the final after sprinting down Jasmi Joensuu.
– I think I have matured and didn’t think I would win a sprint. It was a big surprise but I’ll take it, says 33-year-old Diggins with a laugh after the first sprint victory in three years.
The world’s best sprinter, Jonna Sundling, forgoes the Tour de Ski and is at a high-altitude camp with national team mate Emma Ribom.
See also: Ebba Andersson after the qualifying disappointment in the sprint: “Damn shit”