No surprise to see Kriukov winning. His form is rising. He qualified 4th last week in Drammen, and had he not been taken out in his quarterfinal heat, I think he would have had a real strong chance to move to the final where he would have been one of the big favorites to win. Not sure what happened to him in the qualification today, he was quite far back, in 27th, which is not that good by his standards for a classic sprint. Perhaps the skis, perhaps didn't want to overdo it...He was a LL in his semi, but he looked good there, just made his charge a little to late, but still managed to make the final where he absolutely schooled the Norwegians. Hattestad and Northug were going all out at the end, but Kriukov, when he is this strong, he is untouchable in the finishing straight. Not many guys can come from behind to, not only pass Northug and Hattestad, but actually ski away from them. This wasn't even close in the end. Not sure if he'll take part in Lahti, but I hope the Russians take him for that skate sprint and also to Canada. He is in the best form he's had all year. They'd be foolish not to take him.