Otepaa, Estonia – Alaska Pacific University’s Sadie Bjornsen, of Methow, Wash., led four U.S. athletes into the finals in 17th in the FIS U23 World Championships classic sprint Saturday in Otepaa. Russia’s Alexander Panzhinskiy and Finland’s Kartty Niskanen claimed gold for the men and women.nBjornsen was joined by three U23 Worlds teammates in the quarterfinals. Central Cross Country Skiing’s Jennie Bender, of Johnson, Vt., and Dartmouth College’s Ida Sargent, of Orleans, Vt., finished 21st and 23rd, respectively. All three Americans bowed out of the race early, not advancing to the semifinals.

Niskanen topped the women’s podium with Norway’s Britt Ingrun Nydal and Sweden’s Jennie Orberg scoring silver and bronze.

In the men’s race, Fairbanks Alaska Ski Team’s Reese Hanneman was the sole U.S. male representative. He also advanced to the quarterfinals finishing 24th. Panzhinskiy earned the top spot on the podium with Team Norway at his side. Timo Andre Bakken and Magnus Moholt won silver and bronze.

The FIS U23 World Championships continues today with the men’s and women’s 30/15k pursuit.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
FIS U23 World Nordic Championships
Otepaa, Estonia – Jan. 29, 2011
Cross Country – Classic Sprint

Men 1.4k
Gold: Alexander Panzhinskiy, Russia
Silver: Timo Andre Bakken, Norway
Bronze: Magnus Moholt, Norway

Women 1.2k
Gold: Karttu Niskanen, Finland
Silver: Britt Ingunn Nydal, Norway
Bronze: Jennie Orberg, Sweden