Cogne World Cup Cross-Country Team Sprint: Finland Dominates Women’s Event, Norway Shines Again

Cogne, Italy — The scenic valley of Cogne was abuzz with energy as elite cross-country skiers from around the globe took to the tracks for the much-anticipated Team Sprint events on January 31, 2025. The day not only served as the eighth stage of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season but also as a rehearsal for the World Championships set for mid-February in Trondheim, Norway.

The women’s team sprint came down to thrilling finishes, with Finland’s Kerttu Niskanen and Jasmi Joensuu clinching victory with an impressive time of 19:04.5. The duo led their team to its first World Cup team sprint victory since 2013, showcasing their well-honed skills on the snowy course. With the wind at their backs and the crowd roaring, the Finnish team displayed patience and tactical prowess, especially during the tougher laps of the race.

They crossed the finish line just 0.9 seconds ahead of Sweden’s Johanna Hagström and Maja Dahlqvist, who surged past Germany’s duo, Laura Gimmler and Coletta Rydzek, to grab the silver medal. Gimmler’s team captured third place, finishing just 1.2 seconds behind the winners. Meanwhile, the Norwegian teams finished fourth and fifth, with strong performances from Elena Rise Johnsen and Hedda Bakkemo, as well as Hedda Østberg Amundsen and Lotta Udnes Weng.

Speaking on her team’s performance, Rydzek remarked after the race, “I tried to approach this tactically. I wanted to secure our podium spot and I’m really glad we managed to do it,” highlighting team strategies under competitive pressure. Coached by Peter Schlickenrieder, the German team was proud of their finish, especially considering the high level of competition.

On the men’s side, Norway triumphed decisively, with Even Northug and Erik Valnes finishing first with a time of 16:51.10. The exciting contest against the two French teams led by Jules Chappaz and Richard Jouve did not disappoint, as they came within half a second of the Norwegians. Sweden rounded out the podium, finishing just one second off the lead.

American teams also participated, with their first squad, Gus Schumacher and JC Schoonmaker, finishing tenth, and the second team, led by Zak Ketterson and Luke Jager, finishing fourteenth. While not quite podium contenders, their moments throughout the day showed the potential for growth as they gear up for future races.

At the end of the two competitive events, spectators were treated to exhilarating showdowns, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport and the athleticism of its participants. Despite the challenges teams faced, from injuries to strategic shifts, the races managed to capture the spirit of determination inherent not only among the winners but also the remaining competitors.

Both the men and women took the day as part of their preparation for the upcoming World Championships where the stakes are even higher. This weekend, Cogne is set to continue its festivities with additional races, focusing on classic style sprints and individual freestyle techniques, promising more excitement for ski fans everywhere.

“It was exhilarating to compete today,” stated Schumacher after the men’s event, emphasizing the camaraderie and spirit of competition. “We aim to improve and come back stronger for the next challenge,” he added, underlining the hopeful attitude of the American teams facing intense international competition.

With this significant day of racing winding down, athletes now look toward the next battles at the World Championships, along with the rich history and legacies they hope to build upon through victory. Cogne has once again proven to be a vibrant host for the cross-country skiing community, establishing itself as a beloved location on the World Cup tour.