December 14, 2013 (Davos, Switzerland) – Kikkan Randall finished 18th as she lead four Americans into the points today in the women’s 15km FR interval start in Davos at round #3 of the FIS XC World Cup. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) flexed her muscles for a decisive win over teammate Therese Johaug at 13.0s behind – it was Bjoergen’s 4th straight victory in Davos and her 61st World Cup win. Claiming third was Sweden’s Charlotte Kalla at 28.9s back for her third individual podium so far this season.

Marit Bjoergen (NOR) takes her 61st WCup victory © Nordic Focus

Following Randall was Liz Stephen in 20th, Holly Brooks in 25th and Jessie Diggins in 30th and while some on the team were happy with their result others are hungry for more.

“Yes, I am happy with my result, this is one of my better Davos distance races. I felt good out there. Maybe was a bit too conservative with my pace on the first lap but it was really fun to follow Steira up the 2nd lap and work together on the downhill,” Randall told Trax post-race.

“Conditions were great. The snow was fast and the air temperature was great for racing.  A little bit of a headwind kicked up on the 2nd lap which made that long gradual section out of the stadium a little more challenging. There were a few icy spots out there but overall the course was in great shape,” she continued.

Charlotte Kalla (SWE) © Nordic Focus

Is the pace higher with Olympic spots on the line for some skiers ? “The field is definitely really strong right now! Many of the racers are in really good shape right now to fight for Olympic spots. It’s fun to be racing at this level! Today was the perfect prep for the sprint tomorrow. My energy was good today and my skating felt really strong. Looking forward to going a little shorter and faster tomorrow,” she concluded.

Brooks was happy to be in the points but knows she got more in her legs as she’s shown in the past. “I was really conservative at the beginning… I skied the first couple k’s easy & in control, focusing on technique. Racing at altitude is hard because there is a such a fine line. Your mind wants to go faster but your body doesn’t always cooperate! I’m satisfied with the result.

“Considering my slow start to the season I have to be happy in that I was in the points and that’s always good. However, it’s my “worst” showing in Davos in the last three years. All in all, I’m happy to feel that I’m moving in the right direction and excited for the sprint race tomorrow. It’s never a bad day when you have four girls in the points! Funny how standards have changed,” commented Brooks.

Final podium (l-r) Johaug 2nd, Bjoergen 1st, Kalla 3rd © Nordic Focus

For Diggins it wasn’t what she hoped for but always tries to see the positive side of each race and is looking forward to the sprints.

“I didn’t have a great day – I am just a little tired from the first 7 races I’ve done this year and the altitude here in Davos. I tried to pace my race carefully but didn’t quite get it right, and suffered the rest of the race from going out a little too hard! That said, there were definitely things out there that went well and I skied the gradual downhill the way I hoped to, so there are things to be happy about.

“I am racing tomorrow’s sprint, and I think today’s race was more than enough race prep for it! I am definitely tired but sometimes your body can really surprise you, so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do tomorrow,” Diggins told Trax.

Full results here.