January 28, 2010 (Hinterzarten, Germany) – Despite four inches of new snow and wet fog, Finland’s Kerttu Niskanen won the U23 women’s 10km classic by almost seven seconds. Canada’s Brittany Webster’s headlined the day for North America claiming 5th. Recently named to Canada’s 2010 Olympic Team, Webster, a national team member for only three years, had slick skis but adapted her technique to light and quick, putting in a remarkable performance. Canada’s Kate Brennan put in solid performance for 22nd place, while Emily Nishikawa was 31st.

The slippery-kick conditions made for significant gaps between the competitors over the relatively short 10km distance. Alevtina Tanygina of Russia was second at 6.9s behind the winner, and in third, Svetlana Nikolaeva (RUS) was 14.8 seconds out. Sandwiching the Russians was another Finn, Anne Koylloenen in fourth, 19.9 seconds out.

The U.S. girls had difficulty with pacing, and lost time as the laps progressed said coach, Matt Whitcomb. However, Becca Rorabaugh and Rosie Brennan both finished in the top 30 – Rorabaugh was 24th and Brennan placed 26th. Sprinter Ida Sargent, a stellar 4th in the sprint qualifications earlier this week, finished in 34th, while Kate Fitzgerald was 38th.

Women’s full results here.

Results (brief)

1. Kerttu Niskanen (FIN) 29:36.3
2. Alevtina Tanygina (RUS) +6.9
3. Svetlana Nikolaeva (RUS) +14.8
4. Anne Kylloenen (FIN) +19.9
5. Brittany Webster (CAN) +47.4

22. Kate Brennan (CAN) +2:16.5
24. Rebecca Rorabaugh (USA) +2:21.7
26. Rosie Brennan (USA) +2:28.5
31. Emily Nishikawa (CAN) +2:59.5
34. Ida Sargent (USA) +3:03.0
38. Kate Fitzgerald (USA) +3:34.9