December 12, 2015 (Davos, Switzerland) – The USA’s Jessie Diggins continued her strong start to the season finishing just out of the top 10 in the women’s 15km FR race in Davos placing 11th as Therese Johaug led a Norwegian sweep in Davos at round 3 of the FIS World Cup series. Norway’s Ingvild Oestberg was second followed by teammate Heidi Weng in third.

Jessica Diggins (USA) © Nordic Focus

Caitlin Gregg raced to a solid 20th while Liz Stephen was also in the points in 30th. Fellow American Rosie Brennan finished 34th while the lone Canadian on the start line, Emily Nishikawa placed 39th for one of her strongest races of the year.

“I was happy with today’s race, and I had great skis! It’s a really special course here in Davos, because it goes gradually up for a few km and then gradually down, but you never really get to rest out there! You have to work the whole way,” wrote Diggins.

Therese Johaug (NOR) © Nordic Focus

“In past years I’ve gone out too hard and blown up, especially since we’re at altitude here, so this year I paced a lot more conservatively and was able to really hammer the downhills and pick off seconds.

“However, after finishing I was a little disappointed because I still had some energy left, and if I could do it again I would have gone for a faster first lap than I did. But it was better for me to err on the side of being able to finish hard than blow up, so I’m still learning things every time I race this course,” she concluded.

Caitlin Gregg © Madshus

Gregg was pleased with her performance as well telling Trax, “I am feeling better and better each weekend! Today was by no means an outstanding race but it was certainly much better than I felt in Kuusamo and Lillehammer.

“The course was in fantastic shape. I am still putting up quick splits right off the line which I think is a good sign! I feel strong and powerful but I just need to be careful not too go too hard! Today I felt like I was climbing well but I am still loosing way too much time on the technical downhills!

Women's podium (l-r) Oestberg, Johaug, Weng © Nordic Focus

“This course is interesting because overall the hills aren’t too long at a steep grade but you are still climbing for almost 3k with a ton of V2. If I had to pick a favorite race length I would probably say 5km… I love 5km skate races and I am still hoping to get on the relay team some day,” added Gregg.

Full results here.