February 02, 2014 (Toblach, Italy) – The USA’s Elizabeth Stephen delivered a strong 11th place finish in tricky conditions as Norway’s Marit Bjørgen reminded everyone what she’s capable of dominating the women’s 10km CL individual start in Toblach, Italy on Saturday. Therese Johaug claimed second while Sweden’s Charlotte Kalla showed her teeth as well taking third at her first appearance on the World Cup scene since Davos in mid-December.

Women's podium © FIS

It was a strong day for Team USA with five skiers in the points as Kikkan Randall placed 15th, Sadie Bjornsen was 17th, Ida Sargent finished 2oth and Holly Brooks was 22nd. Canada’s lone entry Emily Nishikawa placed 40th while American Caitlin Gregg was 45th. The race marked Bjornsen’s return to the World Cup after being off for five weeks due to sickness following the break after the Tour de Ski.

Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland who looked set to be second in today’s competition lost time over the final kilometers to end up 5th at 4.3 seconds off the podium. With close to one metre of snowfall over the previous 36 hours and above freezing temperatures during the competition, skis were a major factor. Many of the athletes chose to race on waxless skis, including the podium finishers.

We caught up with several skiers for their comments on the second last race before the Sochi 2014 Games, Feb. 7-23.

Stephen © flyingpointroad.com

Elizabeth Stephen (USA)
It was a really fun race today here in Toblach. The tracks were firm and pretty fast in the track, but the weather was a bit crazy. One minute it would be raining, then it would be snowing huge snowflakes and then back to raining. Pretty interesting for sure. Our service staff rocked as usual and as a whole I think we all had good skis for the day.

We had a great training camp in Seiser Alm with perfect conditions, wonderful accommodation. Everyone stayed healthy, we prepared as well as we could and now it is time to rest up, tweak small things and head to Sochi.

Randall © flyingpointroad.com

Kikkan Randall (USA)
It was great to get back to racing today after another training break.  I haven’t done so much distance racing since Christmas so it’s taking a little bit to get the feeling back.

I was really happy with the way I felt today and my skis worked great.  It snowed a ton (prob around 3ft) over the last two days and then turned to rain this morning. But the tracks were in surprisingly good condition. I went on my Fischer ZERO skis today and had solid kick and fast glide.

Our training camp at high altitude over the last two weeks went exactly as we had planned and my form is sharpening more with each session. Today’s race was a great effort to kick my body back into race gear and I’m looking forward to another skate sprint tomorrow.

It’s great to be in the final stretch to Sochi.  The energy and spirit on the team is high and we’re really looking forward to the Games!!

Bjornsen © flyingpointroad.com

Sadie Bjornsen (USA)
First and foremost, it was so so nice to put a bib on and race after now five full weeks off of the scene. I went into today not knowing what to expect- but I was simply ready to get back in to what I love most about being over here. So when I look at the result, I am very happy.

I am also very encouraged though because my body felt great, but conditions were more than tricky, so I was searching for kick most of the race. It was a hard call, picking between wax…no wax…wax. I haven’t done any skiing in these conditions since Sochi last year, so I am still working on collecting some good zero skis and today was awesome practice to learn how to kick with what you get- and find a way to make it work.

It was a tough day for everyone out there, mostly for the techs. Everyone was working super hard trying to find the best solution, so that was neat!

But I left today encouraged, and excited to just get back in to more racing! It is challenging having such a long break off, so I am just grateful I am healthy and feeling like I am on the rise!

Also, excited for some skate sprinting tomorrow. I have only gotten to do one of those this year, and fell during quarters, so tomorrow is another great day to try!

Results here.

Photos courtesy of NNF and Flyingpointroad.com in support of US skiers
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