Text by Kate Oldham and Annie McColgan, images by Steve Fuller/flyingpointroad.com
The WJC relay started off fast and furious with many of the competing nations starting their strongest skiers first. It was definitely one of the fastest mass starts I’ve ever raced in and it was a wild ride trying to hang on to the front group! In only 3.3 kilometers, the course brought every type of terrain including a couple big, tough climbs and screaming downhills. I then tagged off to Sammy Smith who skied a great second leg and the team finished in 5th after Nina and Sydney skied strong skate legs. It was so fun to experience the famous American team spirit on relay day and watch my teammates push themselves against the best junior skiers in the world. As an added bonus, we watched the boys put together an impressive effort that earned them a bronze medal in their relay, narrowly missing the silver in a sprint with Norway.
The conditions have been exceptional all week in Lygna with a couple windy days and a bit of fresh snow. It’s amazing how many learning opportunities there are at high level events like this, including working with a talented wax/technical team and getting used to the routines that help get us as prepared as possible to race well. We’re looking forward to the rest of the week and finishing strong with the skate sprint and U23 relay!
Kate Oldham and Annie McColgan
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