![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/01/SMF8959.jpg" "Christina Kouros on her way to winning the adaptive 5km sit-ski. Photo: Flying Point Road.")
RUMFORD, Maine — Following the completion of Thursday morning’s 10/15 k freestyle distance events, the adaptive skiers had their chance to take to the course at the 2012 U.S. Adaptive Cross Country Nationals at Black Mountain.
A change in schedule resulted with the adaptive race being shortened. The male sit-skiers completed four laps of the 2.5 k loop for 10 k while the women did two laps for 5 k.
With 18 athletes out on course, there was no shortage of excitement. All of the sit-skiers were out on course together, despite the fact that not all athletes were completing the same number of laps. Tactics played role, as athletes completing all four laps had to be sure they were conserving enough energy for the remainder of the race, while the athletes competing in the shorter distance were able to take a more aggressive stance.
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2012/01/USNats-Adaptive-Distance.jpg" "Two racers head back into the stadium during the adaptive 5km sit-ski.")
U.S. Paralympics High Performance Nordic Director John Farra was excited that 18 athletes competed in the event, matching the record number of entrants set on Tuesday in the sit-ski sprint race at Black Mountain.
In the stand-up division, David Leach outpaced Eric McDaniel, Jr., for the victory.
Dan Cnossen set a blistering pace to take the win in the men’s race by more than a minute. Cnossen was followed by his teammates on the U.S. Paralympic Nordic Team, Sean Halsted in second and Andy Soule in third.
In the women’s race, Sarah Edwards claimed her second win of the week with Christina Kouros second and Mikayla Briere in third.
All Flying Point Road photo proceeds will be donated to the National Nordic Foundation (NNF).
