Andorran Gina del Rio Claims Silver in Rainy Rollerski World Cup Sprint Opener

Andorran rollerskier Gina del Rio claimed silver at the World Cup rollerski sprint opener in Trollhättan, Sweden, powering through demanding rainy conditions to finish runner-up.

The event took place on Friday, where del Rio held strong among the leaders across rounds, trailing only Sweden's Johanna Hagström in the final. Sweden's Elin Henriksson secured bronze.

Del Rio kicked off strongly by clocking the second-quickest qualifying time of 3:09.39 from 34 competitors, 1.08 seconds behind Hagström's leading 3:08.31, earning direct entry to the quarterfinals.

She dominated her quarterfinal heat in 3:32.50, beating Henriksson by 2.30 seconds and France's Justine Gaillard by 7.46 seconds. Other finishers included Maria Eugenia Boccardi, Sophia Tsu Velicer, and Yuka Yamazaki.

The semifinals pitted del Rio against Henriksson once more in a tight battle. Henriksson prevailed in 3:28.30, with del Rio 0.11 seconds back to take second and advance.

Hagström, who topped qualifying and won her earlier heats, sealed gold in the final with 3:25.97. Del Rio earned silver 1.59 seconds later, while Henriksson crossed 3.36 seconds off the pace for third.

Swedish athletes dominated further, with Vera Myhlback fourth at 5.21 seconds back and Elin Näslund fifth at 5.86. Czech racer Katerina Janatova placed sixth, 6.50 seconds off the win.

Del Rio carries this form into the Trollhättan weekend, facing a 48km classic mass start on Saturday at 19:00, then a 15km classic individual race on Sunday at the same time.