December 7, 2009 (Dusseldorf, GER) – For those who followed the FIS World Cup XC Team Sprints in Dusseldorf on Sunday the results for the men’s race may have been confusing. On the live timing Team USA was shown tied for 5th with Russia II at +3.8seconds. When the final results were posted the US was designated in 6th place on the FIS results pdf, but on the results page for Dusseldorf on the FIS site the US was not included in the standings – in fact there was no entry at all for 6th place.

We contacted FIS to find out why the US was given 6th place and why they weren’t included on the results page. FIS representative Sandra Spitz explained: “With the live timing there can be a tie with skiers coming in during tight races. When the Jury has this situation, they check the photo finish to determine who was first (the same time is applied to the team or the skier). This is what was happened in this case – Russia II was 5th and the USA was 6th.”

Spitz also confirmed that there was a problem with the FIS results page on Sunday not listing the US team or anyone in 6th. “Your’re right yesterday it was not there – but they solved the problem.” – click FIS Dusseldorf Results.

Thanks FIS and congrats to the US XC Sprint Team of Torin Koos and Andy Newell for some excellent skiing.