Sprint World Cup in Ruka: Hennig convinced – Klaebo beaten

The cross-country skiing season opened with an exciting sprint race. Katharina Hennig made it into the top 10 in the Swedish double success. Erik Valnes won in the men’s category.

The Swedes celebrated a double success at the opening race of the Cross Country World Cup in Ruka, Finland. Emma Ribom won the sprint in classic style ahead of her compatriot Jonna Sundling, Kristine Stavaas Skistad from Norway completed the podium.

Hennig: “Much better than expected”

Katharina Hennig ensured a positive start to the season. The Olympic champion in the team sprint missed the final run as fifth in her semi-final, but showed an appealing performance. “It was much better than expected,” said Hennig afterwards.

The native of Oberwiesenthal, who actually feels more at home on long distances, only had to give up at the finish area and took tenth place in the final ranking.

Rydzek in the quarterfinals

Coletta Rydzek from Oberstdorf made it to the quarterfinals, while Victoria Carl (Zella-Mehlis), Pia Fink (Bremelau), Laura Gimmler (Oberstdorf) and Sofie Krehl (Oberstdorf) narrowly missed making it into the top 30.

Men’s race: Klaebo surprisingly beaten

In the men’s race, Erik Valnes (Norway) won ahead of Richard Pouve (France) and favorite Johannes Høsflot Klaebo. Last year’s Norwegian winner in the sprint and overall World Cup had to be content with third place at the start.

The qualification for the German men had already ended. Lucas Bögl (Gaißach), Janosch Brugger (Schluchsee), Albert Kuchler (Lam), Florian Notz (Römerstein), Anian Sossau (Eisenärzt) and Jan Stölben (Ernstberg) did not make it into the top 24 that would have qualified for the quarter -Final.

The German squad for Ruka/Kuusamo:

Women: Victoria Carl (Zella-Mehlis), Pia Fink (Bremelau), Laura Gimmler (Oberstdorf), Katharina Hennig (Oberwiesenthal), Sofie Krehl (Oberstdorf), Lisa Lohmann (Oberhof), Coletta Rydzek (Oberstdorf), Katherine Sauerbrey (Steinbach-Hallenberg). ). ). )

Men: Lucas Bögl (Gaißach), Janosch Brugger (Schluchsee), Albert Kuchler (Lam), Florian Notz (Römerstein), Anian Sossau (Iron Doctor), Jan Stölben (Ernstberg)