A compilation video on one of the longest running sprint races in the Cross Country World Cup, the Ruka sprint. The video presents finals from 2009, offering insights into key moments and strategies where races are often decided on the final hill.
In the 17-year history of Ruka sprint and 34 finals, 24 of them could still be found on YouTube. Despite the track is short, it is one of the toughest: the last minute is everything.
150 m long final uphill with 14% incline leading to the stadium is a run for the money. Most of the races are decided in that hill and only sometimes the leader has changed in the final straight.
The tempo has changed massively through the years. The demands in strength and agility have increased speeds specifically in running up the hill and hammering that double poling in the final straight. The tactics have been always quite simple: have a good spot before the hill and then the strongest will (almost) always win.
2022-2023
Emma Ribom
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo
2021-2022
Maja Dahlqvist
Alexander Terentev
2020-2021
Linn Svahn
Erik Valnes
2019-2020
Maiken Caspersen Falla
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo
2018-2019
Yulia Belorukova
Alexander Bolshunov
2017-2018
Stina Nilsson
Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo
2016-2017
Stina Nilsson
Pal Golberg
2015-2016
Maiken Caspersen Falla
Sondre Turvoll Fossli
2014-2015
Marit Björgen
Eirik Brandsdal
2013-2014
Justyna Kowalczyk
Eirik Brandsdal
2012-2013
Marit Björgen
Nikita Kriukov
2011-2012 (videos missing)
Marit Björgen
Teodor Peterson
2010-2011
Marit Björgen
John Kristian Dahl (video missing)
2009-2010
Justyna Kowalczyk (video missing)
Ola Vigen Hattestad
2008-2009 (videos missing)
Petra Majdic
Ola Vigen Hattestad
2007-2008 (videos missing)
Petra Majdic
Johan Kjoelstad
2006-2007 (videos missing)
Petra Majdic
Jens Arne Svartedal