Back in her stronger skate technique, Caitlin Gregg (CXC) started fast and didn’t let up while skiing to victory in the second stage of the Tour de Twin Cities.
Gregg, who finished third in Saturday’s 5km classic, posted a 17-second win over Chelsea Homes (SVSEF). Maria Stuber (CGRP) was third, another 17 seconds behind Holmes in the 10-kilometer race.
Racing in her adopted hometown, Gregg lives just a few blocks from the race venue.
“Knowing the trails and most of the spectators is a huge boost!” Gregg wrote to FasterSkier in an email. “There is nothing compared to racing in your hometown with all kinds of support throughout the course.”
Gregg raced out to a ten-second lead after the first of three laps, picked up another second on Holmes in the middle lap, and closed out strong on the final loop, adding an additional seven seconds to her margin of victory.
“Today I felt great!” Gregg wrote, adding that she was not disappointed to find it sleeting this morning as it gave her the opportunity to race an a pair of skis perfect for the conditions.
Holmes started 15 seconds after Stuber, and caught her competitor in the first two kilometers. And while Stuber then locked in with Holmes, it would have taken an effort of significant proportions to make back the time.
“Today’s race was really weird for me,” Stuber wrote to FasterSkier in an email. “I started out in slow motion and would never have known it if Chelsea didn’t catch me…It was the weirdest thing…I just had to change my tempo and I was fine.”
Stuber’s plan was to ski the second half of the race faster than first, a goal she accomplished in part due to her slow start.
Rosie Brennan (APU), the second place finisher in Saturday’s classic race, was fourth, just four seconds in back of Stuber.
The winner of the classic, Jennie Bender (CXC) rounded out the top-5, 10 seconds down on Brennan.
Today’s race marked the second stage of the five race Tour de Twin Cities.
Racing continues on Wednesday, January 25th, with a freestyle sprint.
Audrey Mangan contributed reporting
Topher Sabot
Topher Sabot is the editor of FasterSkier.
