Last Updated: 23.Dec.2013

A double classic sprint weekend? Sounds like a dream come true for Ida Sargent, a classic sprint specialist (who also holds her own in distance and skate sprints!). But this past World Cup weekend in Asiago, Italy offered an individual classic sprint and a team sprint, and Ida made the most of it with some strong results.

Saturday was the individual sprint, and Ida started the day with a 21st in qualification. She was one of four US women to make the heats, with Sadie Bjornsen qualifying in 5th, Vermonter Sophie Caldwell in 25th, and Kikkan Randall in 27th. However, Ida was the only US Woman to advance out of her quarterfinal. She was third in that race, which was enough to earn her a lucky loser spot and a semifinal start. In her semi, Ida matched up against eventual winner Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland. Ida took 5th, which was enough for 10th overall and her first top ten of the season. She was also the top American woman, as Bjornsen ended up 16th, Randall 20th, and Caldwell 24th.

For Sunday’s team sprint, the US entered two women’s teams. Ida teamed up with Sophie Caldwell while Sadie Bjornsen and Kikkan Randall made up the other team. As luck would have it, both teams had to race the same semifinal to advance to the final, but they had no problem moving forward, with Ida and Sophie automatically advancing in 2nd and Sadie and Kikkan taking the lucky loser spot in 3rd. In the final both teams skied together most of the way and were in contention for a podium spot but ultimately Bjornsen and Randall finished 5th with Sargent and Caldwell just behind in 8th.

The World Cup circuit will now have a change of pace with the Tour de Ski starting this Saturday the 28th in Oberhof, Germany. Ida has opted not to race the Tour and instead will spend the holidays training in Davos, Switzerland and rejoin the circuit following the Tour.

Find results from the weekend here:

Saturday- Individual Classic Sprint

Sunday- Team Classic Sprint