March 26, 2011 (Sun Valley, ID) – Here’s a brief update from the  2011 US Championship men’s 50km Classic now underway in Sun Valley with about 13km to go it’s Glenn Randall (Bridger Ski Foundation) leading. He’s just opened up a gap of 40-50m (about 9s) over a chase group of a 7-8 contenders lead by defending champ Tad Elliott (CXC) with Japan’s Yuma Yoshida in second followed by Noah Hoffman (Sun Valley SEF) in third. Conditions are 27 degrees F (-3C) and everyone is using kick wax with little slipping.

Canada’s Kevin Sandau (Alberta World Cup Academy/NST) is in 4th, with Lars Flora (APU) in 5th. Brent McMutry (Canadian National Ski Team) and Kris Freeman (Waterville Valley) are in 6th and 7th respectively at 2-3s behind Elliott. The next group of chasers is being lead by James Southam (APU) another 45s behind.

Hoffman and Freeman have both attacked and the Hoff is leading with Freeman in second… Randall is now in third.

Unofficial full results HERE.

Unofficial (brief)

1. Kris Freeman (Waterville Valley) 2:37:05.2
2. Kevin Sandau (Alberta World Cup Academy/NST) +9.9
3. Yuma Yoshida (Japan)  +32.0
4. Glenn Randall (Bridger Ski Foundation) +39.1
5. Noah Hoffman (Sun Valley SEF) +52.2

USN 7.2km loop for 50-30km CL. © USSA