It was Bjørnestad Skars first victory in the world cup in almost two years. The Norwegian was strong throughout the day, and in the final he was the best when it mattered. He showed that the shape is in the route before the ski world CHAMPIONSHIPS in Seefeld at the end of February.
Gleb Retivykh from Russia took second place, while Erik Valnes surprised great and was number three. The 22-year-old had 22.-place as his best result in the world cup from before, but in Dresden, he showed that he has a lot in stock.
Valnes ravaged in the semifinals, and in the final he was hampered early in the race when the two frenchmen went in the ground. Nevertheless, he went out strong and were number three.
Federico Pellegrino was the favorite, but the Italian was disqualified in the quarterfinals.
Several of the world's best runners was missing in the German Dresden. Among other John Høsflot Klæbo, Emil Iversen and several Russian guns was over after having worn themselves out in the Tour de Ski.
In the dameklassen, it was once again the Swedish Stina Nilsson, who went to the top.
Johaugs settlement - after the new Norwegian sprintfiasko