Blackhorse-Von Jess and Bjornsen Claim Sprint FR Titles on Final Day of 2013 U.S. XC Ski Championships

by Willy Graves

Blackhorse-Von Jess (l) takes Bjornsen at the finish © Willy Graves

January 08, 2013 (Midway, UT) – Warmer temperatures created a lightning fast 1.3km FR sprint course on the final day of the US National Cross Country Championships resulting in some extremely tight battles. The sprint course featured a long gradual climb out of the stadium with a rolling hill at the halfway point, and a steep, punchy climb before descending back into the stadium. The final downhill is infamous for its ability to suck a leader back into the group, so most of the heats featured dramatic, tight finishes.

Defending champ for the last two seasons, Torin Koos (Bridger Ski Foundation), stumbled in the men’s quarterfinals and failed to advance, opening the door for a new champion to take the top spot. After taking the second step on the podium at the 2012 National Championships in Rumford, ME, last year, an ecstatic Dakota Blackhorse-Von Jess (Bend Endurance Academy) scored a career-first title edging out Erik Bjornsen (APU/USST) at the finish to take the sprint crown. Alex Howe (Craftbury Green Racing Project) was just behind in third to round out the podium.

Lunge at the finish (l-r) Caldwell, Bender, Bjornsen © Willy Graves

On the women’s side, Sadie Bjornsen (APU/USST) nipped Sophie Caldwell (SMS T2) at the line to win her second national title of the week in a photo-finish lunge that temporarily silenced the finish area, leaving those watching unsure of the eventual champion. Jennie Bender (CXC) took control of the middle lane between Bjornsen and Caldwell, to take third.

Summarizing his success, Blackhorse-Von Jess told SkiTrax, “Today everything came together. I finally got to rely on the fitness I’ve developed over the years. In the past, I have totally relied on my speed… and that hasn’t always been enough.”

He added that while the course seemed to favor the distance skiers – as was apparent in the qualification results – he was able to ski the smartest race tactically, which was essential to the win. Blackhorse-Von Jess hopes to represent the USA at the 2013 Nordic World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy in late Feb. While the naming of the final team remains uncertain, strong results at the SuperTour in the Midwest could land him a spot on the squad.

Men's final podium (l-r) Bjornsen 2nd, Blackhorse-Von Jess 1st, Howe 3rd © Willy Graves

Erik Bjornsen was also happy with his sprint performance. “Before this week I had never had a podium at Nationals. So, to feel like I was gunning for every race and had a chance was really fun and exciting. I’m super happy to come out with a National title and two silvers.” Bjornsen takes off for the Czech Republic on Jan.9, and will only have one day of rest before the Liberec World Cup sprints start this coming weekend.

Women's final podium (l-r) Caldwell 2nd, Bjornsen 1st, Bender 3rd © Willy Graves

It was a great weekend for the Bjornsens as his sister Sadie took home her second gold. “It was a good drag race right to the end,” she commented post-race. “All of us were exhausted after a long week of racing, so it was a good test to our heads and our hearts to go for the line today. It was good that Caitlin (Gregg) took it out hard, and it was a true race all the way till the end.”

Qualifications HERE.
Final Heats HERE.

Men’s Photos