Day 3: Sunday 2/28
Cold overnight but warming to 50f tomorrow. Track could get pretty beaten up after 4 semifinals with 14 teams each and two finals.
One thing I noticed today, there is GPS tracking on the FIS site now and you can watch replays of races:
https://static.sportresult.com/...c2021/ccs/index.html
Men's and Women's Team Sprint Finals: 7am EST Women: I'm really looking forward to this one. I think Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia, Russia, and the USA could all be in the mix. Favorites are likely Norway and Sweden, especially after their performances in the individual sprint. Sweden is starting Maja Dahlqvist and Jonna Sundling, which is a formidable team, although I'm a bit surprised not to see Linn Svahn. Norway is starting Falla and T.U. Weng, both individual finalists.
Slovenia is a definite contender having taken the win in Ulricehamn with Lampic and Urevc. Switzerland was first in Dresden and third in Ulricehamn, and Nadine Faehndrich has been impressive in skate sprints this season.
The USA is bringing the Alaskan power with Rosie Brennan and Sadie Maubet Bjornsen. Strange not to have Jessie in a team sprint, but her focus has likely shifted to the 10k skate. Excited to see what Rosie and Sadie can do.
Picks are tough. Seems foolish to leave Norway out, but one can hope.
Picks:
1. Sweden
2. Slovenia
3. Switzerland
Men: Norway for the win with Klaebo and Valnes, although Russia with Bolshunov and Retivykh won't make it easy. Italy, France, and Switzerland are also strong, with Italy and Switzerland taking first and second respectively in Ulricehamn. After not making the individual final, I'm sure Pellegrino will be firing for this one.
The USA is starting a really promising team with first-year senior Gus Schumacher and veteran Simi Hamilton. Gus has had a really strong first season on the World Cup, and Simi is a great skate sprinter. Excited to see how this one goes!
Picks:
1. Norway
2. Italy
3. Russia