March 22, 2019 (Quebec City, QC) – The USA’s Sadie Bjornsen battled in soft snow conditions to finish sixth in the final of the women’s 1.6km Sprint F competition as Sweden’s Stina Nilsson took the win and the series title claiming the crystal globe as well for the first time in her career.

Misfortune struck the US team as Jessie Diggins and Charlotte Kalla (Swe) crashed in their semi landing on Bjornsen’s skis. Both Americans valiantly attempted to bridge to the leaders with Bjornsen advancing to the final as a Lucky Loser.

 

“It looked like Jessie and Kalla collided and my skies were stuck under them, so I had to just stand there and really hope they got up fast,” said Bjornsen who qualified 4th. “It was a huge surge to get back on the group. In the finals, I was definitely feeling that effort and just barely had anything left.”

Sophie Caldwell finished seventh on the day followed by Diggins in 10th. Dahria Beatty was the top Canadian in 40th as none advanced to the heats. “Conditions were tough out there and really hard on the legs,” said Caldwell who celebrated her birthday on Friday.

“The quarters felt good but after the semi-finals I was exhausted but it’s a great atmosphere out there. It’s pretty rare when the loudest cheers are for the Americans. It feels really special being on the start line having so many friends and family here.”

Bjornsen echoed that sentiment. “After a long season it’s great to finish at home and hear your name with so many fans out on the tracks It make a big difference when you’re out there. Believe it or not I really love these conditions. It is what I train on all summer, so I have a lot of practice, but it was very soft.”

Beatty, top Canadian, also loved the home crowd even if it wasn’t the result she hoped for. “It wasn’t the best day. The conditions were tough, but I just tried to leave it all out there on the course,” said Beatty. “The crowd was great. It’s nice to be back racing a World Cup at home.”

Results here.
Qualfications here.