Bjornsen and Diggins Top 20 in Toblach
TOBLACH, Italy (Dec. 20 2015) – Two U.S. women were in the top 20 on Sunday in Toblach for a 10k classic individual start race. Sadie Bjornsen (Winthrop, WA) led the U.S. team with a 19th place finish and Jessie Diggins (Afton, MN) followed closely behind in 20th, just 5.6 seconds behind Bjornsen. Norway’s Martin Sundby and Therese Johaug still reined king and queen of distance races, each winning their fourth and fifth consecutive races in the World Cup competition this year.
In the men’s 15k competition, Sundby double poled his way to a first place finish over Russia’s Alexander Bessmertnykh who was 12.6 seconds behind. Norway’s Sjur Roethe finished third. Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT) led the U.S. men’s team finishing 55th.
Johaug proved herself once again as a powerhouse in distance races, finishing first with a 28.2 second lead over Finland’s Krista Parmakoski, and teammate Ingvild Oestberg who finished third, 40.1 seconds behind Johaug.
“Today was an incredibly challenging day due to conditions and the track. I gave it 110 percent, but unfortunately the result didn't show what I believe I was capable of today,” said Bjorsen after the race. “I went out there trying to win, but the ducks didn't all align today. It's OK—one day they will, and I'll fight for a classic podium!”
The World Cup athletes will have a week and a half break until the Tour de Ski kicks off on Jan. 1, 2016 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland with a skate sprint race.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Norway’s Martin Sundby was first with Russia’s Alexander Bessemrtnykh second 12.6 seconds behind Sundby. Norway’s Sjur Rothe finished third, 48.6 behind Sundby.
- Two out of the three athletes on the podium raced on skate skis, and double poled the 15k race.
- Norway’s Martin Sundby won his fourth out of five World Cup distance races held this season. The last athlete to win four distance races in a season was Petter Northug in the 2012-13 season.
- For the U.S. men, Andy Newell was 55th, Noah Hoffman (Aspen, CO) 64th and Kris Freeman, 82nd.
- Therese Johaug finished first with a 28.2 second lead over Finland’s Krista Parmakoski, and teammate Ingvild Oestberg who finished third, 40.1 seconds behind Johaug.
- Johaug has won all five individual distance races held in the World Cup so far this season. This is the first time she has won five consecutive distance races within a season.
- Sadie Bjornsen led the U.S. women in 19th. Jessie Diggins was 20th, Liz Stephen 34th, Rosie Brennan 38th, Sophie Caldwell 41st and Caitlin Gregg 43rd.
- Next up: The Tour de Ski begins Jan. 1, 2016 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland with a skate sprint race.
QUOTES
Sadie Bjornsen
Today was an incredibly challenging day due to conditions and the track. I gave it 110 percent, but unfortunately the result didn't show what I believe I was capable of today. I went out there trying to win, but the ducks didn't all align today. It's OK—one day they will, and I'll fight for a classic podium! I'm sure excited for some Christmas time with some good rest and recovery!
Jessie Diggins
Toblach is tough because there’s a lot of gradual climbing (which I love because it feels like real classic skiing out there—long kicking and gliding) but also not a lot of rest! The corners and downhill sections are ones that demand to be worked well, and you can make up a lot of time on them by staying focused and working every inch.
I’ve been working so hard for years to improve my classic skiing, so it feels really good to finally have that hard work come across in World Cup races! I was happy with my race today. I felt like after racing every single race in period 1, plus the pre-season Gallivare races, my body is a little tired and I’m really looking forward to a nice relaxing week of training in Davos with my teammates.
