2022 US XC Nationals: Classic races wrapup

Patterson charging to the win in the classic 10 kilometer race. Credit: Jackie Schneider.

The 2022 US Cross Country Ski Championships at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center wrapped up with two classic races: an interval start on Thursday and a sprint on Friday. The GRP, armed with some great skis from their service team, pushed thru fatigue and dodgy weather snagged a couple of wins.

On Thursday, light rain from the day before carried into race morning, making for klister conditions that deteriorated throughout the day. The race of the day went to Caitlin Patterson of the Craftsbury Green Racing Project (CGRP), who started strong and pushed through the finish to earn the win in 28:12.0 with an impressive victory margin of 53 seconds. Patterson’s win brings her total number of national championship titles to an astounding 11. Teammate Alex Lawson was 5th.

Following the women’s classic distance race, the men took to the course for a 15 kilometer interval start. By the men’s start, temperatures had risen, and the tracks had begun to break down. But the conditions were no match for Adam Martin, who followed his teammate Patterson’s lead with a dominant performance. Skiing smooth and powerful throughout, Martin claimed the victory in 39:18.0 with 48s in hand over second placed Scott Patterson (APU).

While not a championship event, Friday’s classic sprints closed the week of racing. Caitlin again led the GRP with a silver in the sprints.  

Find a detailed report on the GRP website of these races, as well as all the other races this week.

Next up for the GRP skiers is a SuperTour in Sun Valley, Idaho on January 15th and 16th. Expect to see many of the same racers, as they compete in both a skate and classic distance race.