Published 2024-03-15 16.30
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FALUN. Johan Häggström made it to his first sprint final of the season.
But barely made it to the finish line – after a collision with Erik Valnes.
– Damn idiot, says the Norwegian.
Johan Häggström was the only Swede in a Norwegian-heavy sprint final.
There he seriously challenged – but when he was going to sprint towards the season’s first podium, he collided with Erik Valnes, and both went downhill.
– Very sad for both of us to leave the final with a bitter aftertaste. It was a good day for both and we were in a good position, says Häggström.
“Getting hit”
After the finish, the Swede lashed out with his arms at Valnes.
But the Norwegian blames Häggström.
– I get hit from behind. There is not much I can do differently. I don’t see him, he says to Sportbladet.
The Swedes in Falun cheered on Häggström. Valnes thinks that may have made him eager.
– There were many who shouted “now you’re going on the podium”. That’s how it is in Sweden, great to get a Swede on the podium. Unfortunately, there was a bit of over-ignition there.
“Damn idiot”
To Norwegian The daily newspaper he was the less diplomatic.
– Damn idiot, said Valnes.
Something he later regretted.
– I don’t have to go to personal attacks just because he tackled me on the court. It wasn’t good, I lie flat, Valnes adds TV2.
Häggström understood the anger.
– There are always a lot of emotions after you cross the finish line and stand here with a number plate without getting dressed. Then there are always some frogs, it’s usually strong words then. But it’s sad of course, says the Swede.
Efter krocken tog annan Norrman hem segern. Johannes Kläbo won the sprint ahead of Finland’s Lauri Vuorinen and countryman Harald Östberg Amundsen.
Placed last
Afterwards, the competition jury announced that Häggström was placed last in the final after the crash.
– You can question how consistent the jury is, but coming fifth or sixth doesn’t make much difference to me. It was more about who decided to step up from the snow than who was the strongest, he says.
The World Cup weekend in Falun is the last and first of the season with distance races on Saturday and Sunday.
