Slind and Fosnæs Shock With Second Place in the Team Sprint at Davos: – Tastes Like a Victory

Slind and Fosnæs shocked with second place in the team sprint at Davos: – Tastes like a victory - Eurosport

The strong favorites Emma Ribom and Jonna Sundling were the strongest in the women's team sprint in Davos on Friday. Astrid Øyre Slind and Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs took the second place.

36-year-old Slind advanced well on her opening leg and exchanged in fifth place. The Norwegian duo maintained that position after their second exchange. Slind surged ahead on her second leg while the Swedish first team slipped back. After the third exchange, Norway led just ahead of Sweden’s first team.

The Norwegian team only sent one duo to compete on the women's side, while Sweden, Finland, the USA, and Germany all entered two teams.

Viaplay expert Niklas Dyrhaug critiqued Norway's choice. He stated, "We are the largest nation in cross-country skiing and have the biggest budget. We have a responsibility to compete fully with the strongest nations. I think it is simply poor to send just one team."

Team coach Sjur Ole Svarstad defended the decision, citing important selection races and the opening of the Scandinavian Cup as the reason for their choice.

Ribom and Sundling won their semi-final decisively, leading by over two and a half seconds ahead of the USA. Expectations were high for the Swedish duo before the final.

Saturday will feature an individual sprint in Davos, followed by a 20-kilometer classic race on Sunday.