November 29, 2013 (Kuusamo, Finland) – The USA’s Sadie Bjornsen delivered a dazzling run placing 3rd in the women’s 1.4km CL Sprint qualifications at the opening round of the Ruka Triple in Kuusamo, Finland, the traditional Nordic Opening of the World Cup season. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) took the top spot with Denise Herrmann (GER) taking second. All three were only skiers to break 3:09.

Sadie Bjornsen (USA) © Nordic Focus

Defending Sprint Cup winner Kikkan Randall (USA) was 8th and Ida Sargent showed her form as well qualifying 18th. Behind out of the running was Sophie Caldwell (36th), Canada’s Dasha Gaiazova (43rd), Holly Brooks (48th), Jessie Diggins (64th), Rosie Brenan (77th) and Liz Stephen in 96th.

Andy Newell (USA) was the only North American man to advance placing 23rd behind Russia’s Anton Gafarov who topped the field with Martti Jylhae (FIN) in second and fellow Finn Anssi Pentsinen 3rd to the delight of local fans.

Following behind was the USA’s Simi Hamilton in 36th, Canada’s Alex Harvey in 37th with teammate Len Valjas in 38th. American Michael Sinnott was 73rd ahead of Canadians Devon Kershaw in 76th with Jesse Cockney in 77th.  Distance skiers also raced including Kris Freeman (USA) in 100th, Ivan Babikov (CAN) in 102nd, with Noah Hoffman (USA) in 105th.

Women’s Q here.
Men’s Q here.