Weng and Sanness Show World Championship Form – Diggins Wins in Falun

Jessie Diggins proved to be the strongest in the final sprint, winning the 20-kilometer race in the cross-country skiing World Cup held in Falun. Heidi Weng delivered a strong performance to finish in second, while Nora Sanness, despite her efforts, was unable to close the gap and ended up in fourth place. Ebba Andersson, racing on home soil, also featured prominently as the competition unfolded.

The race came down to the last hundred meters inside Lugnet skistadion, after a tactical battle on the sister round on Sunday. Although Sanness tried to surge ahead by increasing the pace, she did not manage to secure the winning break. In addition, the results set up interesting implications for the Norwegian team as 24-year-old Sanness is now considered for a spot on the national 50-kilometer team at the upcoming World Championships in Granåsen, where the race will be in a free style technique – an event that suits her strengths.

Elsewhere in the race, health concerns affected several Norwegian athletes. Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs finished a respectable 12th overall, but Anne Kjersti Kalvå, who secured the final spot in the Norwegian World Championship squad, had to withdraw early on Sunday due to breathing difficulties, a problem she attributed to ongoing respiratory issues. Silje Theodorsen and Helene Marie Fossesholm also struggled with similar challenges, leading to less competitive finishes.

In another development, Astrid Øyre Slind was forced to withdraw from the 20 km race due to stomach problems and is now heading back to Norway to prepare for the World Championships. Additionally, Therese Johaug, one of Norway’s top skiers, decided last minute on Friday to skip the Falun race in order to focus on her training regimen.

Looking ahead, the cross-country skiing World Cup schedule includes the sprint event in Trondheim next Thursday, from which neither Johaug nor Slind will be present.

(©NTB)