Sargent sprints it out in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic

Sophie Caldwell (L) and Ida following the team sprint in Nove Mesto. Photo Sophie Caldwell

Last Updated: 14.Jan.2014

It was another double sprint weekend World Cup in Nove Mesto in the Czech Republic and the US team contested an individual freestyle sprint on Saturday and a classic team sprint Sunday. With no snow anywhere to be seen in Eastern Europe, Nove Mesto is lucky to have a 2k man-made loop where they could hold the races. GRP skier Ida Sargent competed in both races after a holiday training break in Davos, Switzerland.

Saturday’s freestyle sprint was a strong day for the US women, with Kikkan Randall taking the victory and Sophie Caldwell in 15th. Unfortunately Ida didn’t make the sprint rounds, finishing 50th, but after a sustained break from racing, she most likely just needs to get her sprint legs back under her. The US men also had a solid day with Andy Newell qualifying in 2nd. He and Simi Hamilton went on to finish 17th and 20th.

On Sunday Ida teamed up with Sophie Caldwell for the team sprint. Both Kikkan Randall and Sadie Bjornsen sat out the team sprint, so Ida and Sophie were the only US women’s team. They qualified for the final and were very competitive with the leading group for the majority of the race. They ultimately finished 6th, 34 seconds behind the winning team from Norway. It was a strong result for Ida and Sophie, especially considering the US has never been on the podium in a classic team sprint.
Because of the lack of snow in Poland, where the next World Cup races are being held, the US team will stay and train in Nove Mesto until the weekend. The races in Szklarska Poreba will be another freestyle sprint and a mass start classic.

Following this weekend’s racing, Ida is ranked 31st in the FIS sprint standings, well within the top 50 which means that she meets the objective criteria for the US Olympic Team. Although the team won’t be officially announced until later this month, skiers that make the top 50 can know their spot is secure. We want to congratulate Ida on her season and can’t wait to watch her compete in Sochi!

Results from the weekend:
Freestyle sprint
Classic team sprint