December 07, 2012 (Quebec City, QC) – In a memorable day that gave US ski fans pause to recall how far this American squad has come, Kikkian Randall and Jessed Diggins teamed up again to produce an historic first-ever win in the women’s 1.6km x 6 team sprints here in Quebec City.

In front of huge and enthusiastic crowds in downtown Quebec on an exciting, twisty loop of 750 m, Randall was the picture of near perfection in her fitness and her tactics. The 21-year-old Diggins, who is fast making a name for herself, and perhaps already has, survived a near crash on her final leg, and made an impressive dash to give Randall the lead and the ultimate win. It seemed teamwork at it’s best.

 

Taking second and on the heels of the Yanks was the German duo of Hanna Kolb and Denise Hermann, who were a scant .09 behind the Americans for their first ever podium. Third and always a formidable squad in the races were the Norwegians with Celine Brun-Lie and Maiken Caspersen Falla, who finished 1.1 seconds back. A Russian squad, that at times was in the drivers seat of the race finished fourth. To the disappointment to the crowd no Canadian women’s team was included in the finals.

Following the race we spoke with Randall, who shared some thoughts about the race. “You know in the team sprints in city venues – a lot of stuff can happen. We are just happy to put together a very successful day, stayed out of trouble and showed what we can do. Jessie has come a long way in the last year and she’s a veteran now. She knows how to sit in the pack and when to make moves at the right moment. She put me in a great position with a lap to go. I am proud of the way she races,” Randall offered.

Diggins, while smiling broadly said it all was amazing, “It was an incredible day, we executed everything just the way we wanted to.” The pair is gaining real momentum and the confidence is growing. You can feel it.

A second USA team with Ida Sargent and Holly Brooks finished in ninth just 36.0 seconds back. There were ten teams in the finals. Throngs of American fans made the trek here and it was hard not to miss the flags of colleges like Middlebury, Dartmouth and Bates that lined the course. Many near-by Vermonters made the journey too, and were flying the state flag proudly. In fact for this reporter it felt like a giant homecoming or reunion, with so many well known US fans, former national team members, Nordic center operators and family and friends. The same was true for the Canadians, as well.

US Women’s coach Matt Whitcomb told me after the race, today was something special, “This means a great deal for the US, and to do it here, on almost home-like snows, it’s amazing.

“We are making great progress, and the fans here were awesome, so many from the states were here. I really want to thank our team, there are 12 coaches, working with a team of 30 athletes for two weeks, and there’s a great spirit of cooperation. We’re having fun and the results show it.”

Full results HERE.