Tough conditions on the track served some spectacular performances all the way from the qualifications. At the end Sweden’s Jonna Sundling won the women’s sprint competition, beating her teammate Stina Nilson by 0.22 second. Extremely satisfied was also Julia Kern of the USA who stepped on her first podium in career by finishing third. Slovenia’s Anamarija Lampič also finished in a great spot before the home crowd, she was 5th.
In the men’s sprint competition we were waiting for a French-Italian battle from the get-go. Lucas Chanavat came in on top with excellent last 200 meters. The Frenchman crossed the finish line 0.40 seconds ahead of Federico Pellegrino of Italy who was perhaps the favorite on this track. Norway’s Erik Valnes finished third, while the best result of the home athlete came by the hands of Janez Lampič, who finished in 27th place.
Tomorrow’s team sprint competition starts with the semifinals at 9.00
Sundling and Chanavat have beaten the competition, organizer wins a fight with weather
Planica hosted the weekends first two races of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup. The first fight was won by the organizer and the people who prepare the tracks, since the weather with high temperatures and rain didn’t cooperate as is usual in the valley under the Ponce.
