VIDEO: First World Cup race of the season is over

Sat, Nov  26, 2016 - By Mike Muha

The World Cup is on! The first race of the season was a Classic Sprint in Ruka, Finaland). Paal Goldberg (Norway), Calle Halfvarsson (Sweden), and Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo (Norway) were the top three men. Goldberg almost didn't attend the race: three days before the race, he was told he would be replacing Petter Northug Jr. The Norwegian Ski Federation reported that Northug did not feel his energy was good enough to race well.

The top US finisher was Andy Newell in 40th place. Men's results.

Stina Nilsson (Sweden), Maiken Caspersen (Norway) and Heidi Weng (Norway) topped the podium in the women's race. It was Nilsson's first ever classic technique win. Women's results.

Sadie Bjornsen was the top US female with a 17th overall finish.

Watch the complete race, start to finish, starting with the quarterfinals: