There were quite a few surprises in the World Cup pursuit race in Rybinsk today – especially in the mens class. Only one predicted Shernousov on top – and Manificat’s third spot and Angerer’s fourth spot were also not very expected. More of a negative surprise was the 25th place of Vylegzhanin. Best of all with predictions today was Poupette with 930 points ahead of Mats L with 818 points with IvarW in third with 740 points.

For the sprint there are more top names on the start list. For example, the Norwegian team has its last selection race ahead of the World Champs in Oslo. Remember to set up your predictions before the first start in the qualification at 09:30 CET Saturday morning.

• Set up your predictions for the Sprint Free, Rybinsk on Saturday here
• Results predictions for pursuit, Rybinsk

Race preview

• Some top names are missing for the sprint in Rybinsk, but the startlists look a lot better than for the pursuit on Friday. 54 men on the start list compared to 36 men on Friday tells its part of the story.
• In the mens class, the Norwegians Hattestad, Dahl, Pettersen, Gloeersen and Kjoelstad are among the favorites as always when they are on the startlist. The Italians with new star Pellegrino along with Pasini and Scola should also not be forgotten. And of course there are the Russians with Petukhov as the really big name – can anyone beat the Russians on home ground?
• In the womens class Kowalczyk is the favourite as always when Bjørgen is not on the start list. The Italians (Follis, Longa), Slowenians (Visnar, Fabjan) and the Finnish (Saarinen, Roponen) are probably the ones who will fight with the Polish woman for the victory. And maybe somebody else can mix in as well?