Gregg and Hoffman Claim National Distance Championships

KETCHUM, Idaho (March 26, 2015) – Caitlin Gregg (Minneapolis, MN) closed out the 2015 season with a National Championship in the 30k event held at the Galena Lodge above Ketchum, Idaho. It was Gregg’s second U.S. 30k title in as many years, both won with convincing margins after fast starts. The course, a short softening loop in warm conditions made for a particularly brutal course, though Gregg skied away without ever appearing distressed. Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT) and Sadie Bjornsen (Winthrop, WA) rounded out the women’s podium.

On the men’s side, Noah Hoffman (Apsen, CO) finished as the first American to claim a National championship in front of Erik Bjornsen (Winthrop, WA). Hoffman and Bjornsen were third and fourth overall behind Canadian National Team member, Ivan Babikov and Norwegian, Rune Odegaard, competing for the University of Colorado. The race remained as a tight pack until late in the lap count at which point Babikov broke open the field on the warming track for the win.

Highlights

• Caitlin Gregg won the 30k freestyle event at the U.S. National Championships held at the Galena Lodge near Ketchum, Idaho.
• Liz Stephen and Sadie Bjornsen were second and third respectively.
• Noah Hoffman took the National title ahead of Erik Bjornsen with third and fourth place finishes overall.
• Ivan Babikov of Canada won the men’s race.
• Brian Gregg was the third American finisher in eighth place overall.