The US and Canadian men fared well in the Classic Sprint Qualifier this morning in Whistler. Andy Newell led the way, qualifying in third, 2.51 seconds in back of Emil Joensson (SWE). Joennsson, a notoriously fast classic qualifier dominated, outpacing teammate, and second finisher, Bjoern Lind by 2.32 seconds. Favorite, Ola Vigen Hattesta, looked strong and smooth on his way to the 4th spot.
Newell was the only North American to crack the top 15 on the long (1.6km) and hilly course. Devon Kershaw (CAN) finished 16th, +6.42.
The host continent then proceeded to claim six of the final ten qualifying spots. Chris Cook finished 21st, his best this season. Torin Koos was 25th, Garrott Kuzzy 26th, and Colin Rodgers 30th. Rodgers was 13.42 seconds in back of Joensson .
David Nighbor in 27th and Sean Crooks 29th round out the heats for the Canadians.
Every single non-North American racer, with the exception of Paul Murray of Australia, qualified for the heats.
![Andy Newell (USA) qualified 3rd](http://images.fasterskier.com/2009/01/newell-qual.jpg" "Andy Newell (USA) qualified 3rd")
![Bjoern Lind (SWE) qualifying 2nd](http://images.fasterskier.com/2009/01/lind-qual.jpg" "Bjoern Lind (SWE) qualifying 2nd")
![Devon Kershaw (CAN) qualifying 16th](http://images.fasterskier.com/2009/01/kershaw-qual.jpg" "Devon Kershaw (CAN) qualifying 16th")
![Torin Koos (USA)](http://images.fasterskier.com/2009/01/koos-qual.jpg" "Torin Koos (USA)")
