Sochi Olympics: Finland wins men’s cross-country team sprint

SOCHI, Russia — Finland surprisingly won the men’s cross-country team sprint at the Sochi Olympics on Wednesday, taking advantage of a fall that slowed its two closest rivals in the final.

Sami Jauhojaervi was able to pull ahead after Germany’s Tim Tscharnke fell right behind him after the final downhill section into the stadium and nearly tripped up Russia’s Nikita Kriukov, who stayed on his legs but lost touch with the Finn.

Kriukov couldn’t catch up and Russia had to settle for silver. Sweden’s Teodor Peterson overtook Tscharnke to secure the bronze. That also gave Sweden’s Emil Joensson a second lucky bronze, after three rivals fell in front of him in the final of the individual event.

Iivo Niskanen also skied for Finland. Maxim Vylegzhanin was on Russia’s team.

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