Cool overnight temperatures led to fabulous skiing for the womens 15 and 30 km race this morning in Sun Valley. Waxing was straight forward (some sort of binder covered by some sort of blue) and the racing was exciting. In mass start races, you never know what the early pace will be. Today it became obvious right away that this would be a 30 km race (not a 28 km tour with a 2 km sprint finish). The lead pack broke away early and, like yesterday, a crafty veteran skied comfortably in the lead group and saved enough to drop everyone on the last big climb. Today it was Kikkans turn to win, but she was pushed quite hard by NCAA winner Maria G. (from Utah), Jr sensation Jessie Diggins and Morgan Aritola.
Heather and Hallie are both coming off of colds so they cheered today. They will do the 4 race series that starts on Tuesday.
Click on any picture to enlarge it.
The lead pack.
Nice day eh?
Izzy strides the hill.
One of the fun things about these races is seeing all of our alums here racing and coaching. Here is Parker ’08.
Maddie (SMS ’07) skiing for the Utes.
Looking north towards Galena.
Looking south towards Baldy.
Morgan took it out strong and broke the pack by 5 km.
Amy hammers up a hill in the 30.
Izzy and Annie are all smiles after finishing 1,2 in the 15 km.
Womens 30 km podium.
Jr girls podium, Izzy (sms ’10), Annie and Kinsey.
