February 21, 2013 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – The first race is underway at the 2013 FIS Nordic World Championships with the CL Sprints and North American fans were left wanting as only four skiers advanced to the heats – Norway had 9 skiers in the heats, Sweden and Finland each qualified 8 skiers and Russia had seven advance.

The USA’s Kikkan Randall placed 28th and rising US star Sophie Caldwell grabbed the final spot in 30th. The USA’s Sadie Bjornsen was just out in 32nd with teammate Ida Sargent in 33rd. Top Canadian sprinter Daria Gaiazova, who recently grabbed her first individual WCup podium, was a surprising 42nd with teammate Perianne Jones in 48th.

For the men, the USA’s Andy Newell in 7th and Canada’s Alex Harvey in 26th, were the only two to make the heats as strong Canucks Len Valjas (40th) and Devon Kershaw (46th) were surprise misses. American Simi Hamilton in 34th was another surprise skier not to advance. Phil Wider for Canada was 49th while the USA’s Erik Bjornsen was 51st.

Women’s Qualifications HERE.
Men’s Qualifications HERE.