February 6, 2010 (Canmore, Alberta) – For Torin Koos (USST) it was a fabulous day at the Canmore Nordic Centre as he lead the North American men finishing 11th overall in the men’s 1.7km classic sprint after posting the second fastest qualifying time. But there was no stopping Sweden’s fast man, Emil Joennson, who scored another World Cup win over Norway’s John Kristian Dahl who claimed the silver while Switzerland’s Dario Cologna (SUI) stood on the podium in third as he did on Friday’s 15km Freestyle event.

Koos, who surprised many with his speedy 2nd place qualification time, stayed out of danger in the quarter finals to advance into the semis, but many of his team mates and Canadian skiers fell victim to incredibly competitive heats and dangerous corners.

Canada’s Stefan Kuhn, who had qualified with an impressive 7th place, led his quarterfinal heat from the gate, skiing hard on the first climb. He may have had a too aggressive start, as the pack caught up to him and he was forced to duke it out in the middle, ending his quarterfinal in 4th.

In the last quarterfinal heat, fellow Canuck Phil Widmer, skied a commendable heat, leading from the start and pushing hard but ultimately he failed to move on. Later, he told us,, “I didn’t realize how tight a heat it was, and that my lead was so tenuous. It was very difficult to hear anything the coaches were yelling, and I was surprised when the rest of the field suddenly appeared around me.”

For Koos, who was just a few meters outside of qualifying for the final, the day was still a great success. “I’m usually more of a 20th place skier in the sprints,” he commented. He went on to say that he’s had many chances this season, but today he managed to capitalize on opportunities adding, “I’m very excited about the upcoming Olympic Games.” His team mate Andy Newell was the next best North American in 18th.

The men also skied a relatively conflict-free final, with heavy favorite Joensson taking an early and decisive lead, skiing away from his competitors with apparent ease crossing the line with a raised arm and leg for the win. Norway’s Dahl and Cologna duked it out fighting hard to the line, to finish 2nd and 3rd consecutively. For Cologna it was his second podium in as many days.

The men’s sprint final signaled an end to the Alberta World Cup and another successful weekend for Canmore, still a favourite on the world cup circuit. Next stop is the 2010 Olympic Games in Whistler… stay tuned for more coverage from skitrax.com.

Men’s full results here.

Results (brief)

1. Emil Joensson (SWE)
2. John Kristian Dahl (NOR)
3. Dario Cologna (SUI)
4. Bjoern Lind (SWE)
5. Nikolay Chebotko (KAZ)
6. Teodor Peterson (SWE)

11. Torin Koos (USA)
18. Andrew Newell (USA)
19. Brent Mcmurtry (CAN)
22. Stefan Kuhn (CAN)
23. Philip Widmer (CAN)
24. Devon Kershaw (CAN)
26. Sean Crooks (CAN)
28. Simeon Hamilton (USA)
29. Garrott Kuzzy (USA)
30. Chris Cook (USA)
40. Kris Freeman (USA)
42. Graham Nishikawa (CAN)
45. Mike Hinckley (USA)
47. Kit Richmond (CAN)
48. Alex Harvey (CAN)
52. Harry Seaton (CAN)
54. Michael Somppi (CAN)
55. Ian Murray (CAN)
56. Joey Burton (CAN)
57. Mike Argue (CAN)
58. Skeets Morel (CAN)
62. Gerard Garnier (CAN)
62. Michael Sinnott (USA)
68. Drew Goldsack (CAN)
69. Brian Gregg (USA)
70. Reese Hanneman (USA)