FasterSkier’s coverage of the 2013 US Cross Country Championships is brought to you through the generous support of The Memory Clinic  in Bennington, Vt.
MIDWAY, Utah — For four laps around a grueling 5 k course at Soldier Hollow, six evenly-matched women battled it out for the 20 k classic national title. In the end, Sadie Bjornsen (APU/USST) was untouchable, finally claiming the gold medal she wanted so badly all week. Our photos from the race.
Race report | Results .
Rosie Brennan (APU), Sadie Bjornsen (APU/USST) and Chelsea Holmes (SVSEF) leading on one of the switchbacks, lap 1.
Brennan.
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Holmes leading Bjornsen, lap 1.
Sophie Caldwell (SMS T2) and Kate Fitzgerald (APU) closely tailing the leaders.
The women’s field moving quick out of the start for the 20 k classic.
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Becca Rorabaugh (APU) leading into the the stadium.
Holmes leading on the descent, lap 2.
Fitzgerald and Bjornsen.
Patterson and Caldwell on a hairy descent.
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Climbing up Hermod’s on lap 3.
Bjornsen leading at the bottom of Hermod’s on lap 2.
The women’s pack, down to six just before the halfway mark.
Climbing the first tier of Hermod’s.
Holmes.
Bjornsen.
Nearing the top of Hermod’s on lap 3.
Bjornsen.
Caldwell.
Patterson.
Bjornsen gritting her teeth for the final stretch.
Fitzgerald and Caldwell rounding the bend.
Brennan.
Patterson.
Holmes.
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Fitzgerald lunges for second, Caldwell takes third.
Bjornsen, Brennan and Fitzgerald, tuckered out.
The victor gives congratulates her teammate.
Bjornsen and Fitzgerald, 1-2 for APU.
Patterson, right, catches her breath.
Brennan congratulates Bjornsen.
Brennan, Bjornsen, Holmes.
Mrs. Bjornsen congratulating her daughter.
Smiles on the podium.
Bjornsen and Fitzgerald.
1. Sadie Bjornsen 2. Kate Fitzgerald. 3. Sophie Caldwell.
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Bjornsen, triumphant. Photo: USSA.
The feed zone. Bjornsen an Holmes leading.
