November 24, 2013 (Beitostølen, Norway) – Defending Sprint Cup champ, American Kikkan Randall, wasted no time showing her form as the US team took home their first FIS podium this weekend with Randall winning the women’s 1km Sprint FR in Beitostølen, Norway. Team USA had a strong day qualifying five skiers lead by Randall in 7th, Jessie Diggins in 8th, Sophie Caldwell in 9th, Ida Sargent in 13th and Sadie Bjornsen in 14th.

Women's Sprint podium © FIS

Randall was the only US skier to advance making a strong move on the major climb on the course to move into the lead in the final and held it all the way to the finish line ahead of a pair of Slovenian skiers Vesna Fabjan (2nd) and Katja Visnar (3rd).  The fastest qualifier of the day Celine Brun-Lie (NOR) fell in the finals but managed to still cross the line in 5th. Top Norwegian Marit Bjoergen ended up 4th on the day.

“It feels really good. This weekend is really just a warm up to get us ready for the World Cup next weekend. But it’s great to see that the sprinting legs are still strong. The team did really well with five girls qualifying…everyone is feeling great and psyched,” Randall told Trax post-race while driving to Oslo.

We wondered how her previously injured foot has been doing and Randall gives it two thumbs up. “My foot’s been good since last season. I had a little bit of Achilles trouble this summer problems but we’ve got it to a really good spot and it’s all feeling great.” – check back for our full interview with Randall.

Andrew Newell © Nordic Focus file photo

In the men’s race the USA’s Andy Newell qualified 4th and delivered fast skiing to capitalize as a Lucky Loser twice, and advanced to the men’s final where he finished 6th. Sondra Turvoll Fossli of Norway, the day’s fastest qualifier easily moved through the heats to the final where he proved too strong for the rest of the field. Finn Hågen Krogh crossed the line in second place just ahead of teammate Eirik Brandsdal for third.

Simi Hamilton qualified 15th but did not advance past his quarterfinal round while veteran Torin Koos was 32nd and did not advance to the heats.

With files from FIS XC.

Women’s Q here.
Women’s heats here.
Women’s final here.

Men’s Q here.
Men’s heats here.
Men’s final here.