Kikkan Randall (APUNSC/USST), who became the first American woman to win a cross-country World Cup event earlier this season, ended the day where she started – on top. After winning the qualification by a convincing two seconds, Randall one each of her heats on the way to the National Title. Laura Valaas (APUNSC/USST), the second qualifier, held position and took silver for the day. Rossiginol's Karin Camenisch finished third. Valaas had won both of her heats heading into the final, including her semifinal, where she also beat out Camenisch. But Randall showed the speed that has taken her to the top of the World Cup podium, winning her second national title of the week.
Caitlin Compton capped a successful return to cross-country racing, finishing fourth. The CXC skier is also racing biathlon this season. Lindsey Williams (NMU/USST) was fifth, and Sadie Bjornsen (PNSA/MVST) took the final spot in the Women's A-Final.
Like Randall, Andy Newell (USST) won everything he skied today – starting with the qualification round, and ending with the National Title. Newell outsprinted US Ski Team teammate Torin Koos in the final. Vahur Teppan (UAF) was third ahead of Middlebury College's Simeo Hamilton. Leif Zimmermann (BSF/USST) capped a highly successful; day for the National team, finishing fifth. Lars Flora (Factory Team), who spent the first part of the season racing on the World Cup, took sixth, two days after winning the title in the classic event.
Since only American citizens are eligible for National Titles, both Compton and Hamilton ended up on the podium. The third place finishers in both races are native to other countries – Camenisch is from Switzerland and Teppan from Estonia.
