All 2012 FIS World Cup Finals coverage is brought to you through the generous support of Fischer Sports USA, proud sponsors of Kikkan Randall, 2012 overall Sprint Cup Champion.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden – As predicted it is a beautiful day in Stockholm. While temperatures dropped overnight, the course does not appear to be rock-solid as had been hoped. The snow is frozen corn and appears likely to break down as the day progresses.
There is stiff breeze coming off the water, but the sun is shining. A few photos…
Norwegian sprinters are always a safe bet in a classic sprint. The team surveys the course.
Breakfast. This bakery’s semla (a delicious cream and almost-paste filled bun) was voted second-best in Stockholm. While FasterSkier always aspires to be the best, we had no problem settling in this case. Delicious.
Extra snow
The streets near the Royal Palace were bustling early.
Stockholm’s Royal Palace as seen in 2012 during FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals.
Last minute course-work.
Off to the races…
One of the best seats in the house for watching the action.
For volunteers only unfortunately.
The finish. No pedestrians today, despite the signage.
Start and final flat before the finish hill. The course is basically a lollipop.
Norwegian sprinters are always a safe bet in a classic sprint. The team surveys the course.
Dinner.
Cozy. Fortunately we got our debit card to work or we would have been scrubbing these tables.
Headed back to the subway and bed last night.
The finish last night – Venus and Jupiter in the sky.
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/03/new-stockholm-scene-5-web.jpg" "Norwegian sprinters are always a safe bet in a classic sprint. The team surveys the course.")
