US skiers dominate IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup

US Nordic skiers had the better of the second day of the IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup in Asahikawa, Japan, with Oksana Masters and Andrew Soule both securing their second successive wins in Sunday’s (15 February) cross-country sprint races.

Following her win in Saturday’s short event, Masters (3:12.60) again topped the podium in the women’s classic sprint, an event she won bronze in at January’s World Championships in Cable, USA. The 25-year-old finished ahead of Marjann Marthinsen (3:20.10), Norway’s Paralympic champion in this event, and Russia’s Natalia Kocherova (3:27.70).

“What an amazing day for @USParaNordic, 2 golds and a silver at @IPCNordic #asahikawa2015 World Cup,” Masters tweeted soon after the race.

In the men’s equivalent it was a US one two with Andrew Soule (2:49.00) edging out teammate Daniel Cnossen (2:52.80). Canada’s Chris Klebl (2:53.71) was third.

Russia’s Vladislav Lekomtcev (2:46.05) showed exactly why he is the sprint world champion, leading home the men’s standing field. Japan’s Yoshihiro Nitta (2:48.71) was second whilst Canada’s Mark Arendz (2:49.65) was third for the second day in a row.

The men’s visually impaired race was won by Norway’s Eirik Bye and guide KM Hellerud (3:02.80) to make it two wins from two for them in Asahikawa. France’s Anthony Chalencon guided by Luas Duperrex (3:13.78) was second and Korea’s Bogue Choi and guide Jeongryun Seo (3:50.00) third.

The women’s standing race saw all three of Saturday’s podium finishers once again take the top three positions. Canada’s Brittany Hudak (3:32.21) this time claimed the win, finishing ahead of Japan’s Yurika Abe (3:44.91), Russia’s Ekaterina Rumyantseva (3:38.48) who had took the win on Saturday was third.

Competition continues in Asahikawa on Tuesday (17 February) with cross-country long races.

The 2015 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Finals take place in Surnadal, Norway, from 16-22 March.