Caldwell celebrates victory in Obertsdorf with her boyfriend's parents © Nordic Focus

January 05, 2016 (Obertsdorf, Germany) – The USA’s Sophie Caldwell made history today as she became the second American woman to win an xc ski World Cup [the first being Kikkan Randall], and the first U.S. skier ever to win a classic Sprint World Cup.

Sophie Caldwell wins in Obertsdorf © Nordic Focus

“It feels pretty amazing to win! I am usually stronger in skate sprints. It was a perfect day. My one goal for the final was go behind Ingvild [Oestberg] and try to follow as far as I could. I was focused on the downhill where I knew my strength was. It worked very well for me in the finish,” recounted Caldwell.

Women's 1.2km Sprint CL Obertsdorf podium © FIS

Caldwell started her day strong on the 1.2km course with a third-place qualification time. She went on to win her quarterfinal heat and place second in her semifinal. In the final, Caldwell skied smart, positioning herself mid-field and attacking hard on the final climb, taking inside lane to pass Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg (NOR) and claim her first World Cup victory. Heidi Weng (NOR) finished second, followed by Oestberg in third.

Caldwell celebrates her win with coach Whitcomb ©

“If you asked me this morning if I expected this the answer would be ‘no’. But I felt good all day and the skis were fast so thanks to our technicians. In the final I knew if I attacked on the climb I had a chance and it worked out – I’m so happy with this victory,” said Caldwell.

Falk (l) goes down and takes USA's Diggins with her ©

Jessie Diggins (USA) qualified 11th, but had a mishap while leading her 1/4 final heat when she was taken out by Sweden’s Hannah Falk (SWE), who slid out on a downhill. Ida Sargent (USA) placed 24th in qualifying and finished third in her heat which was a slow as there were several crashes, and she did not advance. Other American results include Rosie Brennan (USA), who was 35th. Sadie Bjornsen (USA), who is normally a strong classic skier qualified 44th also did not advance. Liz Stephen (USA) was 49th and Caitlin Gregg (USA) finished 53rd.

Caldwell WINS her first-ever WCup in Obertsdorf ©

Results

1. Sophie Caldwell (USA)
2. Heidi Weng (NOR)
3. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg (NOR)

15. Ida Sargent (USA)
21. Jessie Diggins (USA)
35. Rosie Brennan (USA)
44. Sadie Bjornsen (USA)
49. Liz Stephen (USA)
53. Caitlin Gregg (USA)

Full results here.
Overall TdS Standings here.