November 28, 2009 (Kuusamo, Finland) – The USA’s Andy Newell moved up to score a great result finishing 7th in the men’s 1.4 km Classic sprint following his 16th place qualifying time as Norway’s “Sprint King” Ola Vigen Hattestad took the win in Kuusamo on Saturday. Reigning overall World Cup champ Justyna Kowalcyzyk (Pol) won the women’s 1.2km classic race over Petra Majdic (Slo) in second and Alena Prochazkovz (Svk) in third.

Earlier in the qualifications at the Ruka ski resort just north of Kuusamo Finland’s Aino-Kaisa Saarinen topped the women’s field while Sweden’s Emil Joensson lead the men’s 1.4km classic sprint qualifications. Top American sprinter Kikkan Randall lead the North American women in 36th and did not advance while the USA’s Andy Newell in 16th was the only North American to advance in the men’s competition – the top 30 skiers qualify.

“It was an OK start to the season for sure. I’m disappointed to not be in the final, because that’s always the goal, but I am in good shape,” Newell said in a USSA release. “I think this gives a lot of confidence going into the sprints. It’s probably one of my better classic sprint results in the last year, so it definitely feels like we’re in the right spot.”

According to Newell, the fitness comes from a new style of fitness he had been working on this summer.”The new way we’ve been training in the summer is to work on our fitness, so it worked out the way we had predicted,” Newell added. “The qualification speed was down. I qualified 16th when I am typically top eight. And that’s exactly what I wanted – slower qualifications and more fitness for the heat. So, it looks like that’s working.”

According to U.S. Cross Country Coach Chris Grover, while Newell was in great shape and poised to make the final heat of the sprint, a mistake on a climb kept him from reaching the top. “He was in the lead for most of his semi final until the top of the last hill. It’s probably one of the biggest climbs we have all year on the World Cup in terms of steepness,” Grover said.

“He and three guys came up and Newell had to make a lane change in order to get around and got on a track that was too slick. He lost a few kicks and he lost a few places at that very crucial point. I’m really pleased with how he finished because he said he felt really strong and it bodes well for the rest of the season,” Grover added. “I think he’s coming into the season aerobically stronger than he has been in a few years.”

“It was frustrating for Kikkan and Torin [Koos; Leavenworth, WA] who were both two seconds from qualifying. They both skied pretty well, they’re both in good shape, but there were a couple small mistakes,” Grover continued. According to Grover, hopes are high for Randall, who is known for her sprinting, to do well in Sunday’s women’s 10K classic. “I think tomorrow for Kikkan she’s going to come through. I wouldn’t be surprised if she finished better in the distance race than she did today. She’s in good shape,” Grover said.

The top Canadian in the women’s qualifications was Sara Renner in 42nd, just off a plane from Canada, while sprint star Chandra Crawford who is back racing this season following injuries and surgery was 49th. Alex Harvey was the top Canadian man in 55th. The Canadian team will regroup for Sunday’s 10km/15km classic events.

Women’s Qualifications SP 1.2 km C Qualifications here.
Men’s Qualifications SP 1.4 km C Qualifications here.

Women’s 1.2 km Classic Sprint Final here.
Men’s 1.2 km Classic Sprint Final here.

Final Results (brief)

Women

1. Justyna Kowalcyzyk (Pol)
2. Petra Majdic (Slo)
3. Alena Prochazkovz (Svk)

36. Kikkan Randall (USA)
42. Sara Renner (Can)
49. Chandra Crawford (Can)
51. Perianne Jones (Can)
62. Liz Stephen (USA)
79. Morgan Arritola (USA)

Men

1. Ola Vigen Hattestad (Nor)
2. Oeystein Pettersen (Nor)
3. Nikita Kriukov (Rus)

7. Andy Newell (USA)
48. Torin Koos (USA)
55. Alex Harvey (Can)
59. Kris Freeman (USA)
60. Devon Kershaw (Can)
76. Graham Nishikawa (Can)
82. Ivan Babikov (Can)