Pellegrino and Fähndrich win free titles for the Cross Country World Cup

Federico Pellegrino celebrates victory in free men's sprint at FIS Cross Country World Cup in Dresden © Nordic Focus

Federico Pellegrino of Italy and Nadine Fähndrich of Switzerland won the sprint titles at the FIS Cross Country World Cup in Dresden.

Coming back from a sprint success in Davos a week ago Pellegrino made a convincing display in the final as he kept his rivals at bay when he crossed the line in 2min 21.96sec.

Andrew Young of Britain claimed 0.53sec silver behind Pellegrino, despite suffering a broken pole on the first lap.

Russia’s Gleb Retivykh finished on the podium after finishing 0.91sec behind him in third place.

Russian teammate Alexander Bolshunov finished fourth with two American skiers – Simeon Hamilton and Kevin Bolger – finishing fifth and sixth respectively.

Nadine Fähndrich celebrates winning free women's title at FIS cross-country World Cup event in Dresden © Nordic Focus
Nadine Fähndrich celebrates after winning free women’s title at FIS cross-country World Cup event in Dresden © Nordic Focus

Fähndrich had been successful and hopeless when he had previously visited the German course but made a good effort and finished the top of the hill in 2: 38.52.

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton of the United States put 0.32sec silver behind the winner as she celebrates her tenth podium at the World Cup.

Third place went to Anamarija Lampic of Slovenia, who finished 0.03sec behind second place placed by Caldwell Hamilton.

Lampic suffered a broken pole during the race but fought hard and was close to taking money away, separating him from Caldwell Hamilton with a photo finish.

Skiers from Norway, Sweden and FInland are not taking part in this month’s FIS cross-country World Cup events, including in Dresden, for fear of coronavirus.

Action continues in Dresden tomorrow with the semi-finals and final.

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