November 17, 2012, (Beitostølen, Norway) – Day 2 in Beitostølen saw the Norwegians flexing their muscles on their home turf today in the 1.4km sprints that featured local stars in the semi-final and final heats. With light snow on top of the hard packed course, Anders Nøstdahl Gløersen showed his strength winning all of his heats and finishing the final 0.1 second ahead of Eldar Røenning.

The women’s final heat was lead by Maiken Caspersen Falla and included French and Austrian sprint strength, with Aurore Jean of France in second and Katerina Smutna of Austria in 5th place. Norway’s Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes grabbed the final podium spot over veteran teammate Therese Johaug in 4th.

Kathrine Harsem seemed to have spent her energy tying for first with Falla in the semi-final heat to finish up 6th in the final at 7.3 seconds behind the winner.

The World Cup arena for cross-country skiing at Beitostølen is considered one of Norway’s best.

Results (brief)

Men
1. Anders Nøstdahl Glørsen NOR 2:55.85
2. Eldar Rønning NOR 2:52.19
3. Torjus Børsheim NOR 2:52.75
4. Simen Håkon Østensen NOR 2:56.47
5. Petter Northug Jr NOR 2:51.68
6. Eirik Brandsdal NOR 2:54.37

Women
1. Maiken Caspersen Falla NOR 2:39.47
2. Aurore Jean FRA 2:46.05
3. Kari Vikhagen Gjeitnes NOR 2:43.91
4. Therese Johaug NOR 2:40.48
5. Katerina Smutna AUT 2:41.08
6. Kathrine Harsem NOR 2:43.46