Photos: A magical night of Loppet sprints, snow on Nicollet Mall

A high school nordic skier heads over the top of the Birkebeiner bridge.
A high school nordic skier heads over the top of the American Birkebeiner bridge at sunset during the City of Lakes Loppet Finn Sisu Sprints.
Judy Griesedieck for MPR News

The City of Lakes Loppet brought sprint races to Nicollet Mall Wednesday night as part of the Super Bowl festivities. Fresh snow falling and the city lights made it feel like a super celebration.

A 200-foot bridge over 9th Street downtown was brought in from Hayward, Wis., where it is a well-known feature of the American Birkebeiner races, allowing racers to cross over U.S. Highway 63 near the finish line.

The City of Lakes Loppet continues through Sunday.

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