April 02, 2010 (Yekaterinburg, Russia) – Valentina Novikova (RUS) and Renato Pasini (ITA) won Stage 1 of the Sprint Tour in Russia. Thousands of spectators gathered in the city of Yekaterinburg to watch the competition on a truly demanding course, boasting 1100 metres with a vertical drop of 60m.

A big battle ensued between Russia’s Nikita Kriukov and Emil Joensson of Sweden. However, the third man in the heat was fastest – Pasini of Italy. Emil Joensson (SWE) took sixth place.

A surprising upset occurred in the women’s race as well when Queen of the World Cup 2009/10 Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) was beaten by Russian Novikova.

Live coverage of the international multi-stage sprint event, the Russia Sprint Tour, is available on the Internet. Two websites www.skisprint.com and www.skisport.ru will provide complete coverage. Skiers from 11 countries are competing in this event, including Kowalczyk,  Joensson and Emil Bryntesson (SWE). Athletes were cheerful on arrival in Russia. Robin Bryntesson (SWE) looked back on last year’s event when his equipment did not arrive in the best condition: “Last time my skis broke during the flight. This year everything is fine. I took fewer pairs of skis, only six. I hope for the entire sprint round enough.” Best sprinter of this season Joensson did not come only to take part: “What are my plans for the Sprint Tour? Be the first!” said Joensson.

Scroll down for a complete broadcast schedule of the events.

Stage 1 Results (brief)

Men
1. Renato Pasini (ITA) 1:39,10
2. Igor Usaxhev (RUS) 1:39,72
3. Robyn Bryntesson (SWE) 1:39,75
4. Nikolay Chebotko (KAZ) 1:47,62
5. Dusan Kozisek (CZE) 1:49,00
6. Emil Joensson (SWE) 1:49,49

Ladies
1. Valentina Novikova (RUS) 1:49,94
2. Gaia Vuerich (ITA) 1:53,01
3. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) 1:54,86
4. Elena Turysheva (RUS) 2:06,81
5. Valentina Vauerich (ITA) 2:08,53
6. Daria Godovanichenko (RUS) 2:15,80

Broadcast Schedule (Moscow time)

Stage 1 – Ekaterinburg
01 April, 15.00-17.10
Mountain (extreme) sprint. 900m, Free

Stage 2 – Ugorsk
02 April, Friday, 16.00-18.00.
3.5 km Ladies, 4.5 km Men., Classic

Stage 3 – Khanty-Mansiysk
04 April, Sunday, 10.00-11.40
Sprint, Classic

Finals
Khanty-Mansiysk
04 April, Sunday, 16.00-17.00
Pursuit, free style