Vladimir Semirunniy dropped a 12:28 in the 10000m B division, which qualifies him for the Olympics as the fastest time this season (with the big asterisk that it was done in a quad start). Must be a real relief for the Polish team given he isn't looking likely to qualify for the 10000m (or the 5000m) by ranking.   Really problematic that they rank pair start and quad start times together, but whatever.   Also, the Wikipedia page for qualification is updated through the second day.

True. Ofc the team is outstanding but the norwegians behind Kläbo all needs to be in top shape right now. Skiiers from other nations who are more safe for there olympic teams, maybe already selected can focus on a later top shape

And I presume people have first class travel available to these places. The point to host such events,for these resorts, is usually to attract tourists and fans.   If you are hosting a WC round only one or two weekends a year, then I fail to see how there aren't at least 1000 fans in the whole country that can't plan on going..

Believe that the  management had named today as key test races for the next phase of the season - so effectively Olympic places - so everyone was even more than normal like a Coke bottle that had been left in the sun and then vigorously shaken. 

Did think exactly the same thing, but did not dare to post it.  But then the Russian no 1 Bolshunov is a particularly hard guy to like.

Probably the one sport I'd be okay with Russia coming back

I wish it was the same for women's competition. But due to the limited space, FIS forced their way to host them in Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.... Otherwise the men's competitions would have been cancelled.

Tbf these are pretty.small towns, really.

Interesting fixtures vs and vs with good chances to advance for each of them.

Always happens. They have the best coaches & ski preparation so it just takes 1 or 2 of the pool of a dozen young athletes to step up a level & the tradition continues.