Stephen 11th in Falun 30k
FALUN, Sweden (Feb. 28, 2015) – Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT) hung on for an 11th place result in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 30k classic mass start, a race defined by Norway’s Therese Johaug who broke away with a sharp pace early and held on for an impressive win. Rosie Brennan (Park City, UT) and Sadie Bjornsen (Winthrop, WA) finished 16th and 20th respectively.
Johaug attacked the first time up the Falun course's signature climb, the “Mordorbakken”, or murder hill. By the halfway point, she’d claimed a 50 second advantage and caused a ripple of smaller breaks behind her. Americans Rosie Brennan and Liz Stephen skied in a pack in between eighth and 12th place for the majority of the race.
Snow conditions played a key role in the racing yet again with slow, transformed snow pushing racers out of the tracks. All the racers in the top twenty, with the exception of the Finnish team exercised the ski exchange at the half way mark, as fresh wax for climbing and gliding was key in maintaining momentum today.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Liz Stephen led the U.S. women today in the 30K classic mass start in Falun with an 11th place.
- Rosie Brennan finished 16th and Sadie Bjornsen finished 20th.
- Jessie Diggins did not finish.
- Therese Johaug defined the race with an early breaking move and a solo win and one of the most memorable 30k races in history. Marit Bjoergen, also of Norway, attacked two thirds of the way through the race to finish second. Charlotte Kalla of Sweden took the bronze.
