Sargent breaks through in distance race in Szklarska Poreba, Poland

Sophie Caldwell leading Ida in the 10k Classic in Szklarska Poreba, Poland. Photo Andy Newell

Last Updated: 21.Jan.2014

Ida Sargent may be known for her sprinting abilities, but that didn’t prevent her from throwing down a top ten in a 10k classic race this weekend in Poland, demonstrating that she has the fitness to compete with the world’s best. Szklarska Poreba hosted a freestyle sprint and a distance mass start classic in the penultimate World Cup stop before the Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Although the Norwegians, Swedes, and Finns were all absent, attending their national championships, it was still a strong, albeit smaller, field. Polish favorite and national darling Justyna kowalczyk was present, and collected a victory in the 10k classic to the cheers of her home crowd.

Friday’s freestyle sprint was a chance for the US women to show their depth in sprinting and they put on an impressive show, with 5 ladies in the top 15. Kikkan Randall took the overall victory, and Jessie Diggins was in the A final as well but was hampered by a hard crash just before the finish line. Vermonter Sophie Caldwell just missed the A final in 7th place, and Ida qualified in 15th but moved up to 13th, just outside the lucky loser time that would have advanced her to the semifinals. Maybe most impressive was Vermonter Liz Stephen’s 15th place. Liz in predominantly a distance skier, so any time she makes the heats is reason for excitement. In this case, she actually out-lunged Justyna Kowalczyk for third in her quarterfinal heat. The US ladies have reason to be excited heading into the freestyle sprint at the Olympics.

Sunday’s mass start classic was another great day for the US women, especially for Liz Stephen and Ida Sargent. Liz, a Montpelier native, is a great distance skier but usually places well in skate events. However, she was in the leading group for most of the classic race, and placed 6th. Ida took 9th, outsprinting Austrian skier Katerina Smutna. Rounding out the US women, Kikkan Randall was 14th, Sophie Caldwell 16th, and Jessie Diggins 24th. 

There is one final World Cup stop in Toblach, Italy before the skiers head to Sochi for the Olympics. Ida is already in Toblach getting in some training before the races, while the rest of the team heads to Seiser Alm for a week and half. There will be another freestyle sprint in Toblach following an individual start classic distance event. Stay tuned for results and reports!

Results from this weekend’s event:

Friday- Freestyle Sprint Qualifier and Heats

Saturday- 10k Classic Mass Start