Dusseldorf, Germany – The Italian Team of Magda Genuin and Arianna Follis took the victory in the women’s Team Sprint this morning in Germany.
The Italians were content to stay just off the lead until the last lap, when Follis, who posted the fastes qualifying time in yesterday’s individual sprint, took control and skied to .7 second victory over Sweden and Norway.
“I’m happy, happy, happy,” exclaimed Follis after the race. “Last year we were disqualified due to a late exchange and this year we took the victory. Today I had a good race – tried to stay outside all the difficult situations in the group. The course here is flat and fast – that is what I like.”
Sweden and Norway crossed the line nearly simultaneously, with Sweden getting the nod after the tape was reviewed. Ida Ingemarsdotter and Hanna Falk capped an excellent weekend for the Swedes. The 20-year-old Falk won the individual sprint, and Ingemarsdotter was 4th. Coupled with the men’s 3rd place today, Sweden ended up with three a 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the four races.
The Norwegian women, Celine Brun-Lie and Maiken Caspersen Falla, settled for the final podium spot.
Said Falla, “After my fall yesterday, I am happy to be on the podium today with Celine. I like Düsseldorf very much and we are always good here – except yesterday, but that is life.”
“It was good for both girls, and we are happy to get on the podium,” added Norwegian Women’s Sprint Coach Jon Arne Schjetne.
Slovenia, a potential favorite, and a leader for much of the race, finished 4th. With the always strong Petra Majdic and Vesna Fabjan, who nabbed her first career Wolrd Cup podium yesterday, the Slovenians could be a medal threat in the Olympics.
The Canadian team of Perianne Jones and Chandra Crawford did not advance out of the semifinals, placing 20th in the 22-team field.
Topher Sabot
Topher Sabot is the editor of FasterSkier.
