GRP at Otepaa World Cup

Ben Lustgarten running up a hill in the 15k classic in Otepaa (Photo Hosula Photography)

Last Updated: 21.Jan.2019

The World Cup for cross country skiing was back in action in Otepaa, Estonia over the weekend with double classic races. Three Green Racing Project (GRP) skiers were in attendance: Caitlin Patterson, Ben Lustgarten, and Ida Sargent.

Saturday brought a classic sprint on a tough course that included a corkscrew downhill, a steep herringbone section, and a deceivingly long double pole stretch to the finish. Ida Sargent skied well in the qualifier, finishing 27th. On the men's side, Ben Lustgarten tooked 63rd in the qualifier. Sargent skied in the third quarterfinal heat, moving well in the top two or three for most of the race. She ultimately finished 3rd in the heat, and missed the lucky loser spot, finishing 15th on the day and 2nd American, her best result of the season so far.

The following day brought interval start classic races, 10k for women and 15k for men. Caitlin Patterson, in her return to World Cup racing after a short break over the holidays. skied to 39th place. Ida Sargent was not far behind in 41st. In the men's 15k, Lustgarten took 53rd. 

World Cup action continues next weekend in Ulricehamn, Sweden, with an interval start freestyle race and a relay. Results from this weekend are available on FIS-ski.com.