The Norwegian went straight to the front and ruled the race. Dahlqvist was closest behind and took third place after having to give way to Coletta Rydzek who came with a strong sprint and grabbed second place.
– It was a tough final but I decided to drive hard, says Stavås Skistad.
– Skistad skis well tactically and wins because of it, says Dahlqvist who was satisfied with the feeling and felt that the body responded well especially on the uphills.
Qualifying winner Hagström fell in the final
After a solid sixth qualification, the powerful Norwegian controlled the competition by finishing second in the first quarter-final and winning the first semi-final, which provided a longer rest for the final.
There were five Swedish women in the semi-finals, but only Maja Dahlqvist and qualifier Johanna Hagström reached the final – the latter as lucky loser.
In the final, Hagström fell right after the start and then had nothing to pick up.
– I don’t know what happened, maybe me and Jessie got a little tight on each other and that I slipped on her skis, it was nobody’s fault, says Hagström.
Diggins best of the overall riders
In the second semi-final with four Swedes, Emma Ribom fell on a downhill without being disturbed and the day was ruined.
Of the riders with ambitions overall, Jessie Diggins has put herself in a good position after reaching the final as a lucky loser to finish fourth and gain important bonus seconds.
The sharpest Swedish sprinter Jonna Sundling forgoes the tour to be at home and train this Olympic season. Linn Svahn withdrew late from the tour due to a foot injury.
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