February 04, 2012 (Rybinsk, Russia) – The USA’s Jessie Diggins continues to turn heads as she moved from 30th to 5th in the women’s 10km FR race in Rybinsk, Russia, on Saturday won by the incomparable Marit Bjoergen (NOR), who claimed her 50th World Cup victory as she turned another page in the history books of the sport.

Diggins, who was 19th at the half way point surged to 7th with 2.5km to go. Up ahead were Riitta-Liisa Roponen (FIN) and overall World Cup leader, Justyna Kowalczyk (PLO), who lead the race early on but began to fade as Charlotte Kalla (SWE) attacked mid-race after the bonus points taking only Bjoergen with her leaving Therese Johaug (NOR) alone in third.

Bjoergen picked her spot at 150m from the line and skated by Kalla for the victory as the Swede earned her best result this season. In a fight for third, Marthe Kristoffersen (NOR) pipped her teammate Johaug at the line for the bronze.

Behind them Diggins sailed past Kowalczyk and then Roponen to grab another big result landing in 5th at 29s behind Bjoergen. She tied the USA’s and Kikkan Randall’s best-ever distance race result a 5th earned in the 5km FR in Kuusamo and established the best American woman’s 10km FR distance result.

Pundits will remember the USA’s Alison Owen won a 5km World Cup at Telemark in 1998. It was a World Cup at the time, but in what FIS now views as a test period and the result is not in the FIS database according the USSA’s Tom Kelly.

So how did it feel passing Kowalczyk? “That was such a cool feeling,” Diggins told us post-race. “I realized it might be my one and only chance to ever get to pass her, so I figured I’d better go for it!”

The cold weather did not affect Diggins and neither did her stellar day making the finals in yesterday’s freestyle sprints. “For some reason, I’ve been racing well in the cold! Must be because I’m from Minnesota… I’m used to racing in some pretty cold weather,” Diggins told SkiTrax.

“I was pretty worn down right after the sprints but took some time in-between and stayed pretty relaxed – I think my body responds well after I’ve gotten a race in and the hard effort keeps the blood pumping,” she added. “I continue to be impressed by our wax techs, coaching staff and equipment; they absolutely nailed the skis today and I was flying down the hills, which made a huge difference!”

For Bjoergen it was a double victory as she reclaimed the overall World Cup leader’s bib from Kowalczyk and hopes to keep it. “I’m happy to get back the yellow bib. I was in good shape today and my skis were also very good. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s race because I feel really good at the moment. After the Norwegian Championships I stayed at home for three days on the sofa to recover and I am happy that I’m back in shape,” she told FIS XC.

In the points today as well was American Liz Stephen finishing in 26th. “Before a day ago, I had my eyes set on a top 10 this weekend. As I woke up this morning with a bit of a cold I have since readjusted my goals,” commented Stephen. “The energy has still been good, so I am planning on racing tomorrow too, as long as I still feel as though I can get in the points. We’re all fired up with Jessie’s skiing – I’m so proud of her and so excited to see what she decides to do next!

Back in the mix as well was American Holly Brooks who’s injured wrist at the Tour de Ski has healed, and while she didn’t have a stellar day finishing 40th, she’s eager to get back on form. “It was a tough re-introduction back to the World Cup after almost a month of not racing. My wrist felt okay and didn’t play a major factor – instead, I just felt like I didn’t have an additional race gear.

“I’m hoping that the poor race feeling was part of shaking off the cobwebs.  It was really, really cold today and tomorrow’s forecasted to be a bit warmer so I’m crossing my fingers that it is! Sunday’s a new day and we’ll see what’s in the tank.”

Check out Randall’s comments on the day HERE. No Canadian women competed and likely all racers hope the weather bureau forecasting warmer temperatures for Sunday’s Skiathlon is correct.

Full women’s results HERE.
World Cup standings HERE.