December 31, 2013 (Lenzerheide, Switzerland) – It was an exciting breakthrough day for USA’s Sophie Caldwell in Lenzerheide for the women’s 1.5km FR sprints as the Tour de Ski continued. Caldwell made her first sprint final ever with strong skiing placing sixth after winning her semi to secure her career-best result, while Norway’s Ingvild Flugstad Oesterberg (NOR) and Astrid Jacobsen (NOR) went one-two.

Sophie Caldwell (USA)... another breakthrough performance. © Nordic Focus

Caldwell, from Vermont, was the only North American to advance to the semis as teammate Jessie Diggins (USA) finished fifth in her quarterfinal heat. After placing second in her quarter final match Caldwell skied smart and strong again in her semi as she moved up from third attacking on the final climb to take the lead into the finishing lanes and held on for the win.

In the final Caldwell had a tougher time moving up from fifth into third on the inside lane. But she was unable to hold her podium position, falling to fifth as the pace picked up and ended up sixth as the Norwegians dominated the top two, followed by Germany’s Denise Hermann (GER) in third.

Diggins finished in 21st followed by Holly Brooks (USA) in 37th, Perianne Jones (CAN) in 39th, 44. Elizabeth Stephen (USA) in 44th and Dasha Gaiazova (CAN) in 45th.

“Today was a really exciting day. I was psyched to ski my first final and am so happy for Simi and the rest of the team. I’m learning a lot each race and I was able to ski tactically well in both my quarter and semi finals,” Caldwell explained to SkiTrax. “I simply got tired in my final, but I still couldn’t stop smiling after because I was so excited to be there. Apparently I’m ranked 6th in the Tour now, so I’ll be starting on the front line in the mass start tomorrow! I plan on dropping out after tomorrow, but it’s been really fun so far.”

“It was super exciting for Sophie racing her first A Final,” said a smiling Head Coach Chris Grover, “She keeps having breakthrough results and we’re thrilled with her skiig.”

Results
1. Ingvild Flugstad Oesterberg (NOR)
2. Astrid Jacobsen (NOR)
3. Denise Herrmann (GER)
4. Laurien Van Der Graff (SUI)
5. Hanna Kolb (GER)

6. Sophie Caldwell (USA)
21. Jessie Diggins (USA)
37. Holly Brooks (USA)
39. Perianne Jones (CAN)
44. Elizabeth Stephen (USA)
45. Dasha Gaiazova (CAN)

Qualifications here.
Results here.
TdS Overall here.
TdS Sprint Overall here.