March 02, 2016 (Montreal, QC) – The USA’s Jessie Diggins was the top North American again, claiming 8th in today’s 10.5km women’s mass start Classic race held on the flanks of Mount Royal in dowtown Montreal on Stage 2 of Ski Tour Canada.

Jessie Diggins © Angus Cockney

The race was won by Norway’s Therese Johaug who showed why she is nicknamed “Duracell.” Despite starting back in 26th place, due to her result at yesterday’s sprint, she turned on the turbo power and was soon at the front of the pack gapping the field at about the 2km mark, never took her foot off the gas. Chasing her were teammates Heidi Weng and Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen who ended up on the podium in that order for a Norwegian sweep. This lead group was striding up the hills whereas most others were forced to herring bone.

Threse Johaug © Angus Cockney

Diggins was in the chase group that followed a short ways back and held her own to finish in the top 10, cheered on by numerous US fans decked out in red, white, and blue flags and capes, or with painted face in their patriotic colours. Canadian, Italian, and Norwegian flags could also be seen.

“The #tourdecanada has been crazy fun so far but the BEST part is seeing so much support from the crowd…and having my family and friends here! All that cheering makes a big difference! Thanks you guys!” posted Diggins on Facebook.

Sadie Bjornsen © Angus Cockney

Also in the points today were fellow Americans Sadie Bjornsen in 16th at the finish followed by Elizabeth Stephen in 22nd, and Rosie Brennan in 28th. Emily Nishikawa was the top Canadian of the day in 45th as many of the Canadian girls went down in at least two big crashes.

Elizabeth Stephen © Angus Cockney

Emily Nishikasa © Angus Cockney

“It was super cold especially at the start but once we got going it was okay. It was the same conditions for everyone,” said Nishikawa. “There was a huge pile up after the first downhill that I was caught up in, and my skis got tangled in the fencing. I just got back up and gave it everything I had.”

Cendrine Browne © Angus Cockney

“The fresh snow made the course soft especially going up the hills,” said fellow Canuck Cendrine Brown who ended in 48th spot. “I am still very young so this is a good result for me to be second best Canadian. Racing on this Tour is a good experience for me and I’ll learn a lot from it.”

Bouffard-Nesbitt and Matve © Angus Cockneyeva

Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt, who finished 53rd, told us that she was lucky “to scoot around” any accidents. “’I learned to ski in the Laurentians where the trails are often narrow and I had to learn to be nimble…” she explained.

The blizzard that was forecast to hit Montreal in the hours before the race failed to materialize, but conditions were chilly in temperatures of -7C and a biting wind. Race commentator Randy Fergusson noted that apparently this was the coldest temperature for a FIS cross-country race in over two years.

Justine Kowalczyk © Angus Cockney

The course was moved from the top of Mount Royal to the bottom beside Park Avenue near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument, the oldest skiing site in Canada dating back to 1879, right in the heart of Quebec’s largest city. The course was also shortened from 13km to 10.5km.

Ida Sargent © Angus Cockney

The three winners of stage 2 are also leading overall standings in the same order. Diggins sits in fifth position overall, and is the top non-Norwegian on the scoreboard. Sadie Bjornsen sits in twelfth position overall and Elizabeth Stephen is in 25th after two stages. The top Canadian is Emily Nishikawa in 45th spot.

Results here.

Overall standings after Stage 2 here.