January 15, 2011 (Liberec, CZE) – Reigning world skate sprint champ, Ola Vigen Hattestad (NOR), left little doubt that he intends to defend his title as he claimed to gold in the men’s WCup 1.6km freestyle sprint in Liberec, Czech Republic. Despite numerous challenges, most notably from Italy’s young upstart, Federico Pellegrino who recently distinguished himself as the top sprint qualifier in Davos, the veteran champ stormed to victory in the final.

Hattestad, who qualified 10th, was powerful in both his 1/4 final and semi final heats winning both handily. Pellegrino edged out his team mate Pasini in his 1/4 final match coming second behind Finland’s Matias Strandvall – but their heat was one of the fastest allowing Pasini to advance to the semis as a lucky loser.

Sweden’s Matts Larsson also looked strong as did his team mate Jesper Modin both winning their 1/4 final rounds while local favourite Dosian Kozisek (CZE) also made good coming second to Larsson. Kozisek gave his countryman more to cheer about as he moved into final coming second to Hattestad in their semi-final heat, while Larsson behind them suffered a broken pole and was out.

The USA’s Andy Newell, 11th in the qualifications, looked solid in his 1/4 final round moving up from 4th to second on the final hill and came into the finish behind Hattestad. But the American could not hold off a hard-charging Josef Wenzl (GER) who came from behind to grab second and advance. Unfortunately for Newell his was one of the slower quarter finals meaning his lucky loser chances faded fast.

“It’s been a frustrating few weeks for me with results,” Newell told SkiTrax by email. “I’m not sprinting bad and I’m not feeling bad, I’m just missing that last bit that can get me into the final to take a shot at the podium. Today was more of the same. I tried to relax the first haft of the heat and then attack at the end, which is what I did but Wenzel and Hattestad were just a little bit stronger in the end.”

Both Modin and Strandvall took charge in their semi-final round to advance to the final along with Hattestad and Kozisek. It was a fateful day for the Italians as both Pellegrino and Pasini, racing in Hattestad’s fast semi final, were given the nod to advance to the final as the lucky losers.

From the get-go Hattestad and Strandvall took to the front in the final with Modin in 3rd but the Swede ran out of gas quickly and faded as Pellegrino moved up behind Strandvall with Hattestad in the driver’s seat. Then Strandvall took over the lead but his stint was short-lived as Pellegrino attacked on the outside up the second uphill and was now in front going for it.

Hattestad smelled trouble and quickly countered clinging to Pellegrino and passed him on the final corner as they headed into the finishing lanes. Behind Kozisek had made his move on Strandvall in the last downhill and rounded the final corner in third as the three leaders headed to the finish line.

Hattestad was unassailable and claimed the victory with a comfortable margin over Pellegrino who made his mark claiming his first WCup podium in second as did Kozisek who took the bronze to the delight of local fans.

“I’m very satisfied with my race,” said Hattestad to FIS XC. “Actually it was my best free technique race in 2 or 3 years. It feels great to be back on the podium. The course here in Liberec is fair. I especially like the long finishing straight.”

The lone Canuck on the start line, Len Valjas, could not replicate his stellar 17th place finish at the World Cup sprint in Dusseldorf and did not advance after placing 42nd in the qualifications.

“Firstly, congratulations to Kikkan for her big win today,” said Valjas by email. “It was a rough day for me out there today – my body didn’t handle the travel well this time. But I’m not worried as last year I had some of the worst races of my life just after travelling, and then a week later I felt great for the U23’s. I’m looking forward to next weekend in Estonia.”

Neither Canada or the US is fielding a team in the men’s Team Sprint and Newell will head home on Sunday with Randall as there’s no women’s team competing either. Newell, who is 7th overall in the World Cup Sprint standings, is looking forward to the break and preparing for the Worlds in Oslo.

“It’s been tough, but the good news is that world champs aren’t this week and we have a whole month to prepare for Oslo,” added Newell. “I’m looking forward to heading back to the US tomorrow and having a little break from the world cup to train and prepare for worlds.”

US head coach Chris Grover echoed Newell’s comments. “It’s been tough for Andy. He’s got good form but he’s not finishing things off the way he can. We’ll take time to re-assess and re-evaluate things in his training and take time over the 3-week break to make adjustments before the  world championships.”

Full Men’s sprint results HERE.
Sprint standings HERE.
Video of final sprint HERE.