Patterson and Lustgarten contest Falun World Cup

Ben Lustgarten racing the 15k freestyle mass start in Falun, Sweden

Following a weekend off from World Cup racing, the circuit picked back up again in Falun, Sweden on February 8 and 9. A lack of natural snow forced organizers to shorten the race loop, and skiers raced on a narrow strip of man-made snow through green fields. GRP skiers Caitlin Patterson and Ben Lustgarten each competed in one race of the World Cup weekend.

First up was a classic sprint on Saturday. Patterson placed 47th in the qualifier. Normally a distance skier, it was a good opportunity for Patterson to get in a World Cup sprint qualifier. Although she didn’t race the distance 10k the following day, she has start spots for the upcoming Ski Tour 2020, which features 6 races over the course of 9 days.

The following day, Ben Lustgarten competed in the 15k mass start freestyle. He placed 60th, and was the 2nd American finisher. Lustgarten also has start spots in the Ski Tour 2020. The Ski Tour kicks off on February 15 in Ostersund, Sweden, then moves to Are, Sweden, before heading to Norway for races in Meraker and Trondheim.

Results from Falun.

The remainder of the GRP skiers are headed to Minneapolis to compete in a SuperTour race there on February 16 and 17. Stay tuned for results from all the races near and far!