January 12, 2019 (Dresden, GER) – The USA’s Andy Newell was back on the World Cup start line for the city sprint World Cup in Dresden on Saturday finishing 25th in the men’s 1.6km FR race as Norwegian Sindre Bjoernestad Skar took the win.

Fellow American Kevin Bolger also made the heats and raced in the same quarterfinal with Newell. The duo looked strong with Bolger initially leading but neither was able to advance. Bob Thompson led the Canadians in 32nd with Len Valjas in 47th. Russia’s Gleb Retivykh finished second with Norway’s Erik Valnes in third. The USA’s Simi Hamilton did not start.

“Yes, it’s good to be back on the World Cup but this will be a short trip for me. Just racing this weekend and next in Estonia before heading back home. Spending more time at home is still a big priority for me at this point,” Newell told SkiTrax.

“The sprint here was fun, fast icy city sprint. Last year I was taken by surprise by how aggressive and scrappy the last 200 meters of this sprint is. Same thing this year unfortunately, I was feeling pretty solid but just let myself get pushed around too much. It was a good first World Cup in the year however and all I want is to get my feet wet this week and next and see what I need to work on back in the U.S. On Sunday I will race the team sprint with Erik Bjornsen which will be sweet,” he added.

Results here.