Diggins and Brennan Top 10, Career Best World Cup Result for Wonders

The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team posted solid results in the individual start 10k classic in Beitostolen, Norway, with Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan in the top 10 and Hunter Wonders in 16th place, a career-best World Cup result. 

Despite the cold temperatures where athletes wore tape on their faces to avoid frostbite, the team left everything on the course and worked together to post solid results. 

Jessie Diggins led the women's team and despite feeling "mentally and physically not there" during the race, she finished the day in sixth place, only 33.8 seconds behind the leader, Kerttu Niskanen of Finland. 

Rosie Brennan was mere seconds behind, bouncing back after fighting off a cold last week in Lillehammer and crossed the line in eighth place, adding another top 10 onto her season. 

"Our skis were on fire! I am really proud of the team. What a cool day for the team and to see a lot of people have really great races! It was really fun to be a part of that," said Diggins. 

For the men, Hunter Wonders led the day and posted his career-best World Cup result with a 16th-place finish in the 10k. At each zone mark, Hunter was skiing within the top 15; at 6.3k and 8.2k zones, he was in 12th place. Wonders was only 36.9 seconds back from the leader, Paal Goldberg of Norway. 

"I'm super stoked about the race!" said Wonders. "I planned on taking it out fast and trying not to blow up and it worked out today. There's definitely something to learn going from racing 15k to 10k, too. It was cold out there but it helps to know that eventually, I'll warm up! It's great to feel like I'm in the fight this season and I'm excited for the rest."

For the women, Niskanen won, with Anne Kjersti Kalvaa of Norway in second and Frida Karlsson of Sweden third. For the men, Golberg won, Didrik Toenseth of Norway was second and Andrew Musgrave of Great Britain was third. 

The team now resets for the final race in Beitostolen, the 4x5k skate mixed team relay. The U.S. won this race last year during its debut in Falun, Sweden. The race will be streamed LIVE with commentary on skiandsnowboard.live. 

RESULTS
Women’s classic sprint
Men’s classic sprint

How to Watch

Sunday
7:00 a.m. ET - FIS Cross Country World Cup 4x5k mixed team relay - LIVE, SkiandSnowboard.live