Jaunumi

On the first day of Scandinavian cup taking place in Latvian winter sport centre Madona men sprint event was won by norwegian Hans Petter Lykkja, but best in the ladies competition was Kirsi Peraelae from Finland.

Lykkja, who won the sprint event in Latvia back in 2008, was one of the main containders for the win today in 1,7km sprint, setting second best time in qualification. Best time in qualification, where participated 89 athletes from 8 nations, belonged to finnish Martti Jylhae, who was the only non-norwegian in the finals later, but did not manage to finish higher than 5^th place. In the final in the finish straight Lykkja outsprinted other rivals and took the first win of this season in Scandinavian cup and the second in Latvia. In the fight for second place Oeyvind Gloeersen was faster than compatriot Andreas Steen.

In the ladies 1,1km sprint dominated finnish Kirsi Peraelae. She won the qualification and all the other races, including the final. Second place went to newly crowned World junior champion in pursuit Heidi Weng from Norway, but third to Weng's teammate Mari Eide.Americans Sargent and Diggins who came long way to Latvia,finished just outside the podium. Also three latvians made through to quarterfinal stage, the best of which was Inga Dauskane finishing in 26^th place, which is best achievment for the local nation in Scandinavian cup history.

The overall lead for men is kept by norwegian Finn Krogh, who felt in his quarterfinal heat and finished just in 26^th place. He has 275 points and is 75 ahead of teammate Martin Jonsrud Sunby, who now is concentrating for the World championships in Oslo and will not take part in the rest of races in Scandinavian cup. The new ladies overall leader is Heidi Weng with 315 points. Former leader Maiken Caspersen Falla from Norway, who is trailing by 72 points, will not take part in the rest of races, because she has qualified for World championships in the strong Norwegian team. 

Tomorrow in Madona will be second competition day – 15km for men and 10km for ladies, both in free technique.