March 20, 2013 (Stockholm, Sweden) – Petter Northug (NOR) was all business today as he took over the overall World Cup leader’s bib with his victory in the men’s 1.1km CL Sprint on the palace course in Stockholm, Sweden. With double-poling panache the Norwegian star was unstoppable as teammate Eirik Brandsdale claimed 2nd while Russian speed king Nikita Kriukov landed 3rd on the podium.

The final sprint saw the official crowning of Sweden’s Emil Joensson (7th today) who defended the men’s overall crown, along with the USA’s Kikkan Randall (22nd today), as the women’s Sprint Cup winner defended her title as well. Both had clinched the title in Lahti, Finland, and received their Globes from Sweden’s king following today’s race action.

Leading the North Americans was the USA’s Andy Newell who made it to the semi-finals following a battle with Tomas Northug in his quarter final heat where he finished second. His semi was tougher as he faced off against both Northugs and ended up 6th in to finish 5th overall in the overall Sprint Cup standings.

“Today was a fun race just because of the atmosphere around that royal palace. It’s a pretty unique race and it can give you an idea of how important cross-country skiing is around here when they invite you to race around the palace. It was really cold and windy though, which made for hard double poling and a more tactical race.

“I felt strong in the first round of heats double poling but might have burned too much energy in the headwind at the front during the semifinals and just didn’t have enough at the finish. After a bad crash last weekend, it was fun to get back into some good racing though

“I’m happy to have finished fifth in the sprint cup this year but know it could have been more. I was consistently in the top 10 this year but was unable to capitalize on any podiums. It’s frustrating because I know I felt strong and fit enough for some podiums this year but just couldn’t put it all together when I needed. But to be fifth in the world shows consistency and I’m motivated to get back on the podium more often next year.”

Canadians Devon Kershaw and Len Valjas both qualified but were on wax skis that left them wanting in the latter part of their quarter finals as double poling was the order of the day for the men and as they were eliminated finishing 18th and 20th respectively.

The USA’s Torin Koos from Wenatchee, WA, also qualified (24th) and put in a strong effort in his quarter final but as the race ended and the pace picked up he fell from third to fifth and ended up 25th on the day.

Full results HERE.
Sprint Cup Overall HERE.
World Cup Overall HERE