February 01, 2013 (Sochi, Russia) – As the excitement builds with the first pre-Olympic 2014 races taking place this weekend in Sochi, Russia the North American contingent is off to a good start in the FR 1.4/1.8km Sprints with five US women lead by Kikkan Randall who qualified second followed by Holly Brooks (7th), Sadie Bjornsen (10th), Jessie Diggins (14th) and Ida Sargent (17th). Two Canucks also advanced including Perianne Jones (16th) and Dasha Gaiazova (23rd). Conditions were foggy with snow falling and -2 degrees Celsius.

For the men American Andy Newell was 6th with teammate Simi Hamilton in 11th followed by Canucks Len Valjas in 15th and Devon Kershaw in 24th – Alex Harvey did not start as he injured his shoulder during a fall in training this week.

The men’s course at 1.8km is considered one of the longest and toughest on the circuit… “It separates the men from the boys,” quipped former US and Canadian coach Marty Hall.

Women’s Qualifications HERE.
Men’s Qualifications HERE.