Diggins Does What She Never Thought Possible: Wins First Ever Classic Race

Jessie Diggins added another milestone to her career today in Toblach, Italy, winning the second stage of the Tour de Ski in a thrilling and... unexpected finish. In what was her first-ever World Cup victory in classic skiing, Diggins crossed the line victorious on the same course where she secured her first-ever World Cup win 14 years ago, in the Tour de Ski, during the 5k skate. This win came over 340 World Cup starts later, cementing her place as one of the greatest cross country skiers ever, and one that can win in any distance, in either discipline. 

Meanwhile, Gus Schumacher continued his impressive performance at the Tour, crossing the line in seventh place in today’s 15k classic mass start. His consistency throughout the Tour sees him sitting seventh overall in the standings, while Ben Ogden remains fifth in the Tour de Ski standings after another strong showing.

The day dawned sunny in Toblach, with fast classic tracks and eager athletes ready to tackle the 15k mass start. Diggins lined up with 63 other competitors, taking the lead early in a tactical, fast and hilly race. Rosie Brennan, Julia Kern, Sophia Laukli, and Alayna Sonnesyn joined Diggins on the USA start list. 

Diggins led, forming a tight lead group alongside Norwegian stars Therese Johaug and Astrid Øyre Slind and Finnish standout Kerttu Niskanen. Brennan and Kern worked hard in the chase pack alongside the massive pack of skiers on the tight course. 

The stakes grew higher with each lap and Diggins refused to let up. Approaching the final climb, she dug deep, refusing to yield to her competitors. In a post-race interview, she reflected, “I never gave up. I’ve dreamed of a classic victory for so long, and today it finally happened.” Crossing the finish line with a fist pump and tears in her eyes, Diggins collapsed in Diggins fashion but did something in the process that she thought was impossible.

"Honestly, I'm really emotional," said Diggins, post-race, when asked what this meant to her. "We finally did it. I say we, because I'm looking at my coach right now too. This summer I put in so much work on my double poll and classic skiing, and to be able to sprint like that yesterday and finish like that today - that was something that I didn't know if I had in me. I had to work really hard to get here, and I got a lot of help from a lot of people. It's honestly super emotional - it's really cool." 

Diggins took home her second Tour de Ski victory in two races; Brennan was in the top 20 again in 14th, Kern in 31st, Laukli in 46th, and Sonnesyn in 50th. Second place went to Niskanen of Finland, and Slind of Norway. 

With Diggins’ victory setting the tone, the American men approached their 15k race with renewed energy. Ben Ogden, Gus Schumacher, JC Schoonmaker, Zanden McMullen, and Jack Young represented the stars and stripes. The variable conditions on the course—chopped-up snow and icy patches—required strategic precision and smart skiing by the men - nothing they couldn't handle.

Ogden and Schumacher positioned themselves in the lead pack early, with McMullen and Schoonmaker not far behind. Schumacher made a decisive move on the penultimate climb as the race progressed, making a spot for himself in the top five going into the final curve. Despite losing a couple of places in the finishing stretch, Schumacher's move showed he knows what needs to be done going into Tuesday's 20k to maintain that podium position. Reflecting on his race, Schumacher said, “I knew I had to do something big. I pushed hard, got into position, and went for it. I didn’t have the legs to hold it at the end, but I’m proud of how I raced.”

Schumacher’s efforts earned him seventh place, while McMullen impressed with a 17th-place finish. Ogden ended the day in 26th, maintaining his strong overall Tour position in fifth. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo dominated once again, claiming his second consecutive Tour stage victory, followed by Erik Valnes and Håvard Moseby in second and third.

With Diggins’ historic win and the men's continued rise in the ranks, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is making a statement in this year’s Tour de Ski. As the Tour progresses, the momentum is undeniable and the athletes are determined to deliver standout performances. Tomorrow is a rest day and then the team is back at it on Tuesday. 

RESULTS
MEN
WOMEN

OVERALL TOUR DE SKI STANDINGS
MEN
WOMEN