Italian, Swiss skiers shine in FIS cross country China city sprint

YAN'AN, China, March 24 (Xinhua)-- Italian and Swiss skiers claimed the titles of men's and women's 1.5km sprint final in 2018 FIS crossing country skiing China city sprint Yan'an stage here on Saturday.

City sprint is a brunch of crossing country skiing that move the track from resort to city road, enabling more fans and attendants in the city to watch. It is the first time China hold FIS crossing country skiing city sprint competition and Yan'an is the first stage of the tournament.

The tournament is attracting 140 athletes from 16 countries and regions, including three PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games gold medals holder Jonannes Klaebo. However, the 22-year-old world No.1 Klaebo was eliminated at quarter finals due to an error.

The Italian Federico Pellegrino, who ranked the third in the world, claimed the title of men's 1.5km sprint free in spite of old enemy Klaebo's abance. Lucas Chanavat from France and Martti Jylhae from Finland finished with the second and third place separately.

"It's amazing here, the weather is fine, the heat is fine, the track is professional, the people is very friendly," said Pellegrino after the race.

In women's 1.5km sprint free, Swiss Laurie Van Der Graaff led a little bit over Tiril Udnes Weng from Norway at the finish line to take the first place. Another Norwegian Amalie Haakonsen Ous took the third.

"FIS China city sprint is highly appropriate in Yan'an. We will be working closely to Chinese ski association to organizing more and more competitions as well as developing the snow sport in China."said Sarah Lewis ,the Secretary General of the International Ski Federation(FIS). Enditem