Finland First in Team Sprint as Niskanen and Joensuu End 12-Year Wait for Win

Finland’s Kerttu Niskanen and Jasmi Joensuu achieved a landmark victory in the Women's Team Sprint Classic in Cogne, Italy, finishing 0.9 seconds ahead of the Swedish duo of Johanna Hagstroem and Maja Dahlqvist. This win ended a long wait for Finland – the last victory in the event was in December 2013 with Aino-Kaisa Saarinen and Anne Kylloenen.

The race unfolded on a fast course over six laps, with Finland 1 consistently maintaining a front spot. Niskanen, who skied laps one, three, and five, remarked on the tactical approach and challenging snow conditions, while Joensuu, taking the anchor leg, showcased her sprint prowess to secure Finland’s first World Cup win for the new pairing.

Elsewhere, in the men’s race, Norway 1 clinched the victory. With Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo absent, Even Northug handed over to Erik Valnes who stormed to the finish, overcoming stiff competition from France’s Jules Chappaz and Richard Jouve. Valnes’ strong performance, coupled with a well-timed sprint finish, ultimately propelled Norway 1 to a well-deserved win. The article noted that this success could bode well for Norway's prospects at the forthcoming FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim.

Full results for the Women's and Men's Team Sprint Classics are available via provided links, and additional coverage can be followed on the FIS Cross-Country YouTube channel.