After challenging conditions and a change to the course (this year, 5x10km laps in the Cable area), the Ski Classics Challengers event in the USA, American Birkebeiner, saw a solid battle for the podium places. Jessie Diggins and Gus Schumacher won their respective races with strong performances.

American Birkebeiner – 50km Women’s Race

In the women’s event, the winner, Jessie Diggins, completed the race at 2:10:41.0 after being on a duo breakaway since the first part of the race.

Flora Dolci, from France, finished in second place, 26.2 seconds behind, followed by Alayna Sonnesyn, who completed the podium in third place and 4:19.0 back.

American Birkebeiner – Top 3 Women

1. Jessie Diggins (USA), 2:10:41.0
2. Flora Dolci (FRA), +26.2
3. Alayna Sonnesyn (USA), +4:19.0

Full results can be found HERE

American Birkebeiner – 50km Men’s Race 

In the men’s competition, the winner was Gus Schumacher, who had a total time of 1:53:33.6.

Sam Hendry finished in second place, 6.7 seconds back, followed by David Norris, 6.9 seconds behind the winner, and completing the podium in third place.

American Birkebeiner – Top 5 Men

1. Gus Schumacher (USA), 1:53:33.6
2. Sam Hendry (USA), +6.7
3. David Norris (USA), +6.9

Full results can be found HERE

As the American Birkebeiner 50km race is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes could collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders. 

Complete results of the event can be found here and here, and a list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2023/2024 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.  

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