Dāvis Kalniņš triumphs in the men’s competition, Linda Kaparkalėja in the women’s competition
This Saturday, January 31, the second stage of the Latvian cross-country skiing championship took place at the Priekuļi Skiing and Biathlon Complex, which brought together the best skiers in Latvia. The competition in the International Skiing Federation (FIS) status took place in the classic skiing style.
He won the men’s 10 km distance Dāvis Kalniņšwaging a fierce and similar battle with Jēkabu Skolniekuwhich Kalniņš was able to overtake by 10 seconds. On the other hand, she remained unbeaten in the women’s 5 km distance Linda Kaparkalejaleaving a little ahead behind Amanda Reilly Zarina.
Intense battles on the ice
The competition took place in minus degrees, which gave the athletes an additional challenge. In the men’s competition, the youngest participant, 15-year-old Valts Skujiņš, initially took the lead, but in the middle part of the distance he started to lose his pace, allowing Kalniņš and Skolnieks to fight for the victory. Skujiņš took third place overall, but won his V18 group.
In the women’s competition, Amanda Reilija Zariņa, well-known in cycling, was in the lead at the beginning, but in the second half of the distance, Linda Kaparkalėja was able to take over the baton and win. Zariņa lost to Kaparkalėja by eight seconds.
An important stage for juniors and selection for the world championship
This stage of the Latvian championship was especially important for juniors, as it also served as a selection competition for the World Junior Championship, which will take place in Norway. Representatives of younger groups and veterans also took part in the competition.
The Latvian Ski Federation (LSF) continues to organize FIS status competitions, providing an opportunity for athletes to improve their international ranking and prepare for bigger competitions.
