Sprint star Skistad lets her skiing do the talking to reign in Ruka

Kristine Stavaas Skistad (NOR) claimed the 12th win of her career by taking the first sprint victory of the 2025/26 FIS Cross-Country Skiing World Cup season, a classic sprint in Ruka, Finland.

On a tactical course featuring a steep final climb and short stadium finish, the 26-year-old qualified only 11th but looked strong through the heats. Skistad, who won silver in the sprint at the Trondheim 2025 Nordic World Championships after an injury-hit 2024/25 season, relied on her trademark fast starts to control pace in both the quarter-final and semi-final.

World and Olympic sprint champion Jonna Sundling (SWE) advanced as a lucky loser to both the semis and the final, while fellow Swedish contender Emma Ribom was disqualified in the quarter-final after two yellow cards despite showing promising speed. With Linn Svahn absent at the season start, Sweden’s challenge centered on Sundling, Dahlqvist, and Johanna Hagström, last year’s Ruka winner.

In the final, Skistad reached the decisive climb alongside Hagström and two-time World Cup sprint crystal globe winner Maja Dahlqvist (SWE). Skistad’s finishing kick proved decisive as she crossed the line 0.2 seconds ahead of a fast-charging Sundling, with Dahlqvist taking bronze after a photo finish. Hagström slipped to fourth, more than a second back.

“It was the perfect start to the season and it’s a good feeling to beat the Swedish girls,” said Skistad. “It feels very good to get my first win here in Ruka. I like the course.” Dahlqvist, celebrating her 33rd individual World Cup podium, acknowledged a tactical error on the last uphill that cost her a better shot at victory.

The Ruka program continues on Sunday with a 20 km mass start freestyle. Full results are available via the FIS database.