Through the slow California conditions and ski exchanges, Kris Freeman battled Andy Newell and Einar Ulsund for the national title in the 50 k classic for over two hours on the last day at spring series. Freeman pulled away in the last 5 k to beat Newell by almost a minute and finish off his season with a win.
When it comes to 50 k's, not many skiers in the U.S. can match Kris Freeman when he's on form. The 32-year-old claimed his third consecutive U.S. distance title on Thursday, beating a tenacious Andy Newell and Einar Ulsund in the last lap of a warm, sloppy 50 k mass start classic at Royal Gorge.
There's something about SuperTour Finals that seems to agree with Kris Freeman. The veteran skier looked more like his usual self on Friday in the 15 k mass start classic — he gapped the field early and won the race by 47 seconds. Erik Bjornsen took second, beating Andy Newell in third by less than two seconds. Freeman now leads the tour by 12.2 seconds with the conclusion of two stages.
Utah senior Miles Havlick did it again, defending his mass start title at NCAA Championships, and this time leading his teammates to second in the team standings after Colorado University.