December 30, 2018 (Toblach, Italy) – The USA’s Jessie Diggins raced to a strong 6th-place finish in the women’s 10km FR individual start on Stage 2 of the Tour de Ski, in Toblach, Italy, on Sunday and is now second overall.

Russia’s Natalia Nepryaeva took the win, a career-first Stage World Cup, and the Tour lead as Norway’s Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg finished second followed by Anastasia Sedova of Russia in third.

“Today was a good race for me,” said Diggins, who finished third overall in the Tour de Ski last season. “My body was still a bit tired from skiing all the sprint rounds but I was satisfied with the race I put together. To have a good overall tour it’s important to ski consistently, so I feel good about where I’m at.”

Sadie Bjornsen (USA) placed 16th and sits eighth overall while Canadian Emily Nishika was 35th followed by Sophie Caldwell (USA) in 36th and Dahria Beatty (Can) in 56th.

“I was focused on skiing smooth and powerful today. I maybe could have paced it a bit better, but I’m happy with the effort I gave,” said Nishikawa, 29, who is racing at her first Tour. “I typically have my best results in individual start races, and I’d say the 10 kilometre distance is my favourite. The Tour is really fun. I love how you have so many opportunities, and how quick you have to regroup and get ready for the next race. I’m really looking forward to the next race.”

The Tour de Ski heads into a rest day on Monday with stage 3, another freestyle sprint, taking place in Val Muestair, Switzerland, Tuesday.

Results here.

 

 

Russia’s Natalia Nepryaeva set the time to beat in the women’s race at 23:19.9. Norway’s Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg was second at 23:20.2. Russia’s Anastasia Sedova clocked-in at 23:30.8 for third place.