Diggins Leads U.S. in Otepaa 10k Classic

Jessie Diggins (Afton, Minn.) led the U.S. Cross Country Team with a 13th-place finish in the FIS Cross Country World Cup classic 10k individual start in Otepaa, Estonia, Sunday.

“I was really happy with my kick and I know I lost a lot of time on the flats, but I was happy with how I raced today,” said Diggins. “I was in the zone, pushing as hard as I possibly could and skiing technically better than years past. I’m still carrying some fatigue from the Tour (de Ski) so I need to rest a little more in the next few weeks, but I’m happy with where I’m sitting right now.”

Rosie Brennan (Park City, Utah) was 27th and Sadie Bjornsen (Winthrop, Wash.) in 29th.

“I was pleased to wake up to new snow as I love slow, tough races, however, I really struggled to find skis that worked well on the uphills and were still fast on the downhills,” said Brennan. “I made the choice I thought was best, but it wasn't quite what I needed to be competitive today. I am happy to be back racing and my shape feels good so I am hopeful that things will improve from here.”

The women’s race was won in dominant fashion by Therese Johaug of Norway, with Ebba Andersson of Sweden in second and Russian Natalia Nepryaeva in third.

The men’s race was won by Finland’s Iivo Niskanen with Alexander Bolshunov of Russia in second and Didrik Toenseth of Norway completing the podium. Erik Bjornsen (Winthrop, Wash) was the top U.S. finisher in 30th in the men’s 15k.

RESULTS
Men’s 15k
Women’s 10k

HOW TO WATCH
*Same-day delayed broadcast
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Sunday, Jan. 20
1:30 p.m. - Women’s 10k interval - Otepaa, EST - Olympic Channel-TV*