Jennie Bender was the fastest of the day in every sense possible at U.S. nationals on Monday, winning the skate-sprint qualifier followed by her quarterfinal, semifinal and ultimately, the final by 0.61 seconds over Anne Hart. Runner-up Hart achieved a career-best result, and Caitlin Patterson secured her second-straight podium in Houghton.
After her brother Scott Patterson won the opening race of U.S. nationals on Sunday, the men's 15 k classic, Caitlin Patterson joked that she had to match him. "That was encouraging, but also a little bit of competition," she said. Both rose to the top spot of their respective men's and women's podiums.
For the second year in a row, U.S. Cross Country Championships are being hosted in Houghton, Mich. While the snow situation hasn't been ideal, organizers are optimistic for the week of races, which starts Sunday: “The conditions are really nice. ... It is really mid-season form," said Chief of Competition Jim Tervo.
"Game on in Houghton" is the latest message from race organizers for 2016 U.S. nationals, after snowfall in the last few days has ensured the championships will be held Jan. 3-9 on Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Therese Johaug once again dusted the women's field, this time in the 10 k classic individual start at the World Cup in Toblach, Italy. There, two U.S. women finished in the top 20, about two minutes behind her.