January 12, 2013 (Liberec, CZE) – Canada’s Daria Gaiazova was on fire today at the women’s 1.3km CL sprint that was shortened due to conditions to 850m, which suited Gaiazova just fine as she advanced smoothly to the final taking fourth, just off the podium, in a photo-finish with Maiken Caspersen Falla from Norway. Mona-Lisa Malvalehto (FIN), who was the fastest qualifier, also loved the shorter distance, claiming her first WCup victory over Justyna Kowalczyk (POL).

Canada's Gaiazova © Nordic Focus

The 29-year-old Gaiazova has been on a roll having nailed a bronze and silver medal at the OPA Continental Cup races in Germany last weekend. She aced her quarter and semi final heats coming second in both.

In the final she stayed near the front looking for opportunities and looked strong in third up the final ascent as Malvalehto lead from the start battling with Kowalczyk for position as the three Norwegians in the final chased. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg who showed strong skiing all day broke a pole and would not recover even with a replacement given to her.

Mona-Lisa Malvalehto (FIN) © Nordic Focus

As Malvalehto pulled away in the finishing straight Gaiazova battled with Kowalczyk and Falla who was also in attack mode. Gaiazova had demonstrated stellar double poling in her first two heats and was in contention as all three crossed the line in a tight squeeze with Kowalczyk in second and Falla just squeaking by the Canadian for the bronze.

(l-r) Kowalczyk, Falla, Gaiazova at the line

“Despite jetlag and lost skis it was definitely a confidence boost to race well in Germany last weekend. I knew I am in great shape,” Gaiazova told Trax. “I was nervous that it was not long enough for me because I’m usually better in sprints around 3mins in length. I just went as hard as I could and tried to follow Mona-Lisa! I wasn’t nervous, just focusing on good skiing, and being smart about my positioning.”

(l-r) Gaiazova, Shapovalova, Gruber © Nordic Focus

“I’m supper happy with fourth and my best ever World Cup finish and I really believe a podium will come this year. I believe in that and I am committed to achieving that goal,” added Gaiazova, who won a bronze medal in 2010 in the team sprint with Chandra Crawford.

Perianne Jones (CAN) © Nordic Focus

Perianne Jones, 27, was seventh in the qualifications, skied a strong quarterfinal as well coming second while her teammate Chandra Crawford in the same heat was 5th and finished 29th. Jones lined up against Gaiazova in her semi but didn’t have the same zing ending up 5th to finish a career-best ninth.

“I’m super happy with how things went today,” said Jones, who also claimed a bronze medal in a team sprint last year. “I love classic sprinting and I’m feeling really strong. It went really well today.”

Chandra Crawford (CAN) © Nordic Focus

Sadie Bjornsen, who just nailed two titles at the 2013 U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships, was the top American in 34th as none of the US women advanced.

Sadie Bjornsen (USA) © Nordic Focus

“The course was very short, and quick. I have been racing at altitude all season, so I struggled to make the transition to quick skiing,” said Bjornsen. “By the end I realized I could go a lot faster, but it was too short of a race to adjust. I felt good when I finished the race, so I don’t feel like the travel was affecting me too much.”

“I am stronger with classic generally. Today was not the best for me though. First switching from altitude to sea level so quickly was challenging, and getting straight off the plane to move so fast was also challenging. I am excited to race some more though, because I am confident that it will be better,” she added.

Sophie Caldwell (USA) © Nordic Focus

For Sophie Caldwell it was her first Euro WCup and a great building block for the Vermont skier who was recently on the podium as well at the US Nationals.

“I was really happy with my World Cups in Quebec and Canmore and excited for another opportunity to race a World CUp here in Liberec. My skiing at Nationals also gave me some confidence before heading over to Europe.

“I was getting pretty nervous before the race today, but in a sense it was nice to have such a short turnaround before racing over here because there wasn’t enough time to get overly stressed or worried about this race. It’s been nice to be part of the US team here and everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. It was a fun day and while I would have loved to make the rounds, I think it was a good learning experience and I’m excited for any opportunity I get to experience the World Cup,” Caldwell told Trax.

Gaiazova and Jones will race the Team Sprint for Canada on Sunday while Bjornsen and Ida Sargent will be on the start line for the USA… start list here.

Women’s Qualifications HERE.
Women’s Final HERE.