The BSF Nordic Pro Team sent four athletes to the Alberta World Cup in Canmore to compete for Team USA. The Americans came out swinging with some impressive first few days of racing on a course that challenged racers with both its elevation and technical downhills, spurring lots of tactical moves as the world’s best cross country skiers navigated the downhill finish. U.S.’s Jessie Diggins won the women’s 15K Freestyle, while Scott Patterson (whose parents live in Bozeman and are amazing BSF volunteers) was 8th in the men’s 15K Freestyle.
BSF sprinters Logan Diekmann and Erin Bianco had standout performances in the freestyle (skate) sprint qualifier, both landing inside the top 30 to move on to the heats. Diekman finished 16th overall for the day, a personal best finish on the World Cup circuit, while Bianco was 29th.
In a post on Instagram, Diekmann noted, “There’s been a lot of focus lately on why I love the sport of cross country skiing. Mostly, these days, my love for the sport comes from being able to get outside whenever I want and spending time with my teammates. They are a huge part of why I do this sport.” Diekmann turned down several World Cup race starts at the start of the season in order to stay in North America and focus his energy on racing at home in hopes of better preparing himself for the World Cup stops in Canmore and Minneapolis. “It really paid off,” Diekmann wrote. “16th in yesterday's skate sprint wouldn’t be possible without the endless support I have from family, friends, and generous donors. I thank you all!”
BSF Pro Team athletes Reid Goble and Graham Houtsma both had their World Cup debuts in Canmore, each getting to compete in two distance races. Goble took 44th and Houtsma 49th in the 15K Freestyle. In the 20K Classic, Goble was 50th and Houtsma 56th.
Coach Andy Newell was also on site as part of the U.S. coaching support.
Next up: the Cross Country World Cup returns to the U.S. for the first time in 20 years! Cheer on BSF athletes and Team USA as they compete February 17 & 18 in Minneapolis. Live coverage will be available for free on Outside Watch. https://watch.outsideonline.com/live-events/usss
