January 26, 2013 (Minneapolis, MN) – Jennie Bender (CXC) and Mike Sinnott (SVESF) topped the fields at the 1.5km CL Sprints, the third race of round #4 of the USSA SuperTour Tour de Twin Cities, rescheduled from St. Paul (Jan. 21) due to weather conditions to Wirth Park in Minneapolis on Jan. 25.

Bender from Johnson, Vermont was the fastest qualifier in 4:07.60 and won her semi over Caitlin Gregg and APU’s Kate Fitzgerald to move on to the final where she was unstoppable taking the win over a posse of APU skiers lead by Fitzgerald in second, Kate Fritz in third and Rosie Brennan in 4th. Brennan leads the mini-tour with Erika Flowers (Stratton Mt-SMST2) in second and Gregg in third.

Sinnott, who was second to Bend Endurance Academy’s Dakota Blackhorse Von-Jess in the qualifications with Sam Naney third, saved the best for last as he was second to Ryan Scott in his quarterfinal and again to fastman Torin Koos (Bridger Ski Foundation/Rossignol) in his semi.

Meanwhile Blackhorse Von-Jess, on fire from his recent first national title in the FR Sprints at Soldier Hollow, advanced to the final, along with Koos and Sinnott, as he came second in his quarterfinal heat and then won his semi over Karl Nygren.

The final battle saw Sinnott take the win over Koos with APU’s Reese Hanneman grabbing the final podium spot. Leading the mini-tour series after three rounds is Mark Iverson (APU) followed by Koos in second with APU’s Brenton Knight in third.

Mini-Tour Standings

Women
1. Rosie Brennan (APU) 1:01:44.01
2. Erika Flowers (Stratton Mt-SMST2) 1:04:10.85
3. Caitlin Gregg (Ind) 1:02:31.84

Men
1. Mark Iverson (APU) 1:12:07.72
2. Torin Koos (Bridger Ski Foundation/Rossignol) 1:11:48.55
3. Brenton Knight (APU) 1:13:00.37

Qualifications HERE.
Women’s Heats HERE.
Men’s Heats HERE.
Overall results HERE.
Tour Standings HERE.