February 13, 2016 (Falun, Sweden) – American Jessie Diggins raced to a strong fifth with teammate Sadie Bjornsen 7th in the women’s 5km individual CL race in Falun, Sweden, as Therese Johaug led a Norwegian podium sweep as she claimed her 13th victory of the season on Saturday. Heidi Weng was second and Ingvild Oestberg finished third.

Jessica Diggins (USA) © Nordic Focus

“I’m so very happy with my race today, and with the whole team’s day,” said Diggins. “We had awesome skis and to have two of us in the top 10 is awesome! I love racing here in Falun – I have wonderful memories from the World Championships last year.”

Sadie Bjornsen (USA) © Nordic Focus

Bjornsen was excited to get back on form and was happy with her result “I had an incredibly fun day out there today, and felt strong on my skis. I love 5k, and I love racing when it is snowing out, because it feels like true skiing! I really enjoy the courses here in Falun, and I was ready for a little redemption after some frustrating classic skiing lately.

Therese Johaug (NOR) © Nordic Focus

“t was nice to prove to myself that I can fight in this crew when things work out a little better. It is also nice to see Diggs up there too, that girl has proven she can do anything and everything the best in the world! Fun stuff,” said Bjornsen.

Emily Nishikawa (Can) © Nordic Focus

The USA’s Rosie Brennan was just out of the points in 32nd while teammate Liz Stephen was 38th, Caitlin Patterson (USA) was 40th, Sophie Caldwell (USA) was 43rd, Emily Nishikawa (Can) finished 64th, Andrea Dupont (Can) was 67th and Jennie Bender (USA) was 76th.

Final Podium © Nordic Focus

Diggins has been working hard to creep up in the classic race results and Saturday’s 5k proved that hard work pays off. “I’ve been working so hard for a long time on improving my classic skiing so that I can be an all-round skier and competitive in every technique and distance,” she said. “So to have it starting to come together this year has been a big confidence booster and a lot of fun!”

“Our athletes found the technique and fitness to match the demands of the conditions, and our service crew found the wax to help them along,” said Whitcomb. “At the end of the day, the best skis in the world won’t give an athlete enough to win on the Mordarbakken course. Jessie and Sadie were just awesome.”

Results here.