March 08, 2018 (Drammen, NOR) – The USA’s Erik Bjornsen led the North American men with a career-best 18th as Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo took home another victory winning the men’s 1.2km city Sprint in downtown Drammen.

Klaebo’s teammate, Eirik Brandsdal, a 3-time winner here, settled for second with Russia’s Alexander Bolshunov grabbing the final podium spot in third. Klaebo strengthened his overall World Cup lead now with a 100-point margin over Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR), Dario Cologna (SUI) and Canada’s Alex Harvey.

“It was a fun day out there. Always great crowds here in Norway. I think that’s my fifth heat this year, and still no semi final. My double pole is feeling really good. I had a hard time finding good kick but I was able to make up for it,” Bjornsen told Trax.

Veteran US sprinter Andy Newell did not make the heats finishing 33rd. His teammate Logan Hanneman was 49th, followed by fellow American Kevin Bolger in 50th.

The top Canuck was Julien Locke in 51st, while Harvey was 54th. Reese Hanneman (USA) placed 56th and Andy Shields (Can) finished 58th.

It was the first time that Bjornsen was the top North American in a World Cup sprint. “The energy is coming back around. I just really want to finish off the season strong after a disappointing Olympics. That may have been my best classic Sprint so far on the World Cup. I’m satisfied but I’m hungry to make it past the quarter. Excited for another shot next weekend,” added Bjornsen.

Qualification here.
Final results here.