March 09, 2018 (Kontiolahti, Finland) – Canada’s Rosanna Crawford claimed a strong 12th-place finish followed by the USA’s Clare Egan who raced to a career-best 13th in the 7.5km Women’s Sprint in Finland at round 7 of the BMW IBU World Cup.

Both suffered one penalty as Darya Domracheva of Belarus took the win also with one missed target. Franziska Hildebrand of Germany finished second with clean shooting, a mere 0.5 seconds behind the winner, while third place went to Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi at 5.5 seconds back with one penalty.

“The smile says it all! 12th in today’s sprint race and qualified for Sunday’s mass start! But first up is the single mixed relay tomorrow with Christian and I! #timetoplay #shakleeathlete ©Nordic focus,” tweeted Crawford

“I was extra motivated to take advantage of these last few weeks of racing because I’ve had a mediocre season,” said Egan who’s previous best finish at an IBU World Cup race was 16th in the sprint in December 2015 in Ostersund, Sweden. Friday’s performance also qualifies Egan for the 30-woman mass start race on Sunday.

“I felt confident after capping off the (Olympic) Games with a season-best performance with perfect shooting in the women’s relay. Rest, motivation and confidence, plus best-in-the-world skis, is a good recipe for success,” added Egan from Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Relays take center stage on Saturday in Kontiolahti. The single mixed relay begins at 7:40 a.m. EST, followed by the mixed relay at 10:45 a.m. Both races will be streamed live on the Olympic Channel website here.

Results here.