January 06, 2012 (Rumford, ME) – The unstoppable Jessie Diggins (USST-CXC) put the pedal to the metal this Friday on Day 3 at the US Cross Country Skiing Championships and never looked back. In impressive fashion she took her third US title in as many races nailing the women’s 20km CL event at Black Mountain of Maine. The course consisted of six laps on a 3.26km loop.

Diggins took yet another title in 1:05:49.9 as large flakes of snow adorned both the track and countryside. Former Dartmouth racer and Green Team skier, Ida Sargent, showed great fitness and control in taking the silver medal just 11.6 seconds off Diggins’ pace. Sargent, a native Vermonter, will head off to Europe within the week to compete on the FIS WCup circuit as will Diggins.

Former UVM Captain Jennie Bender, who was leading after the first lap, also continued to demonstrate that she is on fine form by placing third 13.6 behind Diggins. Claiming fourth was Canadian WC skier, Daria Gaiazova, who also look strong early on leading the race during the second lap. She was followed by APU’s Kate Fitzgerald in fifth.

Following the race Diggins said she had hoped she would podium at these races, adding that the lack of snow in Minnesota over the Holidays may have proved a blessing in disguise. “I really had no idea I would do this here in Rumford, I’m relaxed and having fun, so, yes, I’m having a good week. With little snow at home I did a lot of running – my real goal is to peak for the U-23’s in Turkey. Some of the forced rest I had at home may have helped me be fresh here.”

Men’s Race
Noah Hoffman was quiet and focused before the start of the men’s 30k Classic and the Aspen skier, who represents the USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and Team Homegrown, let his skis and ability do the talkin’ with an impressive 53.6s-win over David Norris of Alaska Winter Stars/MSU and a star-studded field.

Hoffman, won the tough 30km in 1:26.:49.3. Dartmouth skier, Anchorage-native Eric Packer was third at 1:16.7 behind the winner while the battle for fourth was uber close as Lars Flora (APU) squeeked by sprint tactician Torin Koos (Bridger Ski Foundation) by 0.1s with a time of 1:28:12.3. Matt Gelso, of Sun Valley, took sixth and was followed by Brian Gregg of CXC in seventh.

With about three laps to go Hoffman – a member of last year’s USA Nordic Worlds Team – upped the ante and broke loose with a pace that none could duplicate. Norris came close but could not stay with the “Hoff”. After the race Hoffman was pleased. “You know I had fast skis and they were running just great, I handled this race just like I had hoped for, I ran the last 10 km like a time trial. I am really happy with my fitness.”

 Women’s 20km CL

 Men’s 30km CL

Women

1. Jessica Diggins (USST/CXC) 1:05:49.9
2. Ida Sargent (USST/GRP) 1:06:01.5
3. Jennie Bender (CXC Team) 1:06:03.5
4. Daria Gaiazova (Rocky Mountain) 1:06:06.6
5. Kate Fitzgerald (APU Nordic Ski) 1:06:18.1

Men

1. Noah J Hoffman (USST/SSCV) 1:26:49.3
2. David Norris (AWS/MSU) 1:27:42.9
3. Eric Packer (Dartmouth Ski Team) 1:28:06.0
4. Lars Flora (APU) 1:28:12.3
5. Torin Koos (Bridger Ski Foundation) 1:28:12.4

Women’s Results HERE.
Men’s Results HERE.