March 27, 2018 (Craftsbury Common, VT) March 27, 2018 (Craftsbury Common, VT) – The women’s 30km CL, the final race of the season, was both emotional and hard-fought as Jessie Diggins (SMST2) took home her third straight victory in sprint to the line with Sadie Bjornsen (APU) followed by Kikkan Randall (APU) in third.

Sophie Caldwell (SMST2), who was off the front early on, finished 4th with Ida Sargent (Craftsbury Green Racing Project) taking home 5th as sunshine blessed the 2018 LL Bean USA Long Distance Championships once again.

Liz Stephen (Burke Academy), who is retiring with Randall, was 7th behind Rosie Frankowski (APU) in 6th. They were part of a foursome led by Randall that chased down Caldwell who was skiing in no man’s land having been dropped by Diggins and Bjornsen. Caldwell was caught on the final lap as Randall put down the hammer for the final podium of her career.

“It was an incredible day with all the cheering and fans,” said Diggins. “So cool to race with Sadie, trading the lead and pushing each other to be better. And getting to share this 30k race with Kikkan and Liz is so special. We’re going to miss them but this whole season has been such a fun ride and beyond my wildest expectations.”

For Bjornsen it was a special race as well battling to the finish with Diggins and fighting off the pain and fatigue from a long season at the final 30km race. “We were inspired by the crowds and support – it felt like a World Cup race,” said Bjornsen. “It was great to duke it out with Jessie, she’s such an inspiring teammate.”

Randall took home her final podium at her last race and was savouring the special day for herself and her teammates. “I always like to end on a good note so it was great to leave it all out there with these girls one last time. Lots can happen in a 30km race and I wasn’t sure we’d catch Sophie. She’s such a great sprinter I didn’t let up until I crossed the finish line.

“This final week has been so special and of course it’s bittersweet as I had so many good times and memories with the team. Winning Olympic gold with Jessie is icing on the cake and is such an affirmation of what we’ve all been trying to achieve… it’s a fairytale ending for me,” said Randall.

Women’s 30k Results here.