Norwegians Bjoergen, Hattestad win WC sprints

Published Feb. 2, 2014 6:20 p.m. ET

foxsports

TOBLACH, Italy (AP) Marit Bjoergen of Norway picked up her second World Cup win of the weekend as she triumphed in the women's freestyle sprint in Toblach on Sunday, while compatriot Ola Vigen Hattestad was victorious in the men's event.

In the last race before the Sochi Olympics, Bjoergen followed up her win in the 10-kilometer classical race on Saturday by beating World Cup sprint leader Denise Herrmann of Germany by 0.43 seconds for her fifth victory of the season. Fellow Norwegian Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg was third, 1.46 seconds behind.

''I think my legs were a little bit tired after yesterday,'' Bjoergen said. ''I didn't feel very fast in the qualification. But each heat I felt a little bit better and was able to advance each time. I was able to get myself into good position off the downhill in the final to be able to get the win today.''

Kikkan Randall of the United States was fifth.

Hattestad finished 0.69 seconds ahead of teammate Eirik Brandsdal. Josef Wenzl of Germany was third, 0.94 seconds behind.

There was no change in the overall standings, with leader Martin Johnsrud Sundby absent.

''This was a really great victory for me today,'' Hattestad said. ''I knew I had strong legs and excellent skis so I am happy to win. I was told after the Norwegian championships that I wasn't ready for Sochi but I think today I showed that I am.''