Stephen and Hoffman post best Tour de Ski results in U.S. history

By Published On: January 6th, 2014Comments Off on Stephen and Hoffman post best Tour de Ski results in U.S. history
Jessie Diggins (left) and Liz Stephen (right) following the Tour de Ski (GEPA/Andreas Pranter)

Jessie Diggins (left) and Liz Stephen (right) following the Tour de Ski (GEPA/Andreas Pranter)

VAL DI FIEMME, Italy – Liz Stephen of E. Montpelier, Vt., posted the USA’s best overall Tour de Ski finish in history with seventh, skiing to the third-fastest time of the day as she battled rain, sleet and snow for 9k up Alpe Cermis on Sunday (Jan. 5). The seven-stage Tour de Ski featured a grueling nine-day schedule in different venues across Germany, Switzerland and Italy and culminated with Sunday’s steep hill climb finale up Alpe Cermis, rising over 1,600 vertical feet.

“I actually didn’t know that I set a record for American’s today, so I am really proud to be part of the crew that is making history in the nordic world for our country,” said Stephen. “But we inspired people today, and most of all one another and ourselves. Somehow, on this small alpine resort in Italy, each year, we push ourselves beyond the normal limits of the body and really get into our soul, with the goal of not only climbing as fast as we can and catching as many other competitors as we can, but also pushing so hard that we feel empty at the top, numb, kaput, but satisfied. I think it is this feeling that I look forward to every year when I line up to the start line for this race, and it is the feeling I will be searching for in Sochi as well.”

Noah Hoffman also earned the best ever finish for U.S. men in 25th.

“I am psyched with my improvement over last season in the Tour de Ski. I narrowly missed accomplishing my goal of a top-20 finish, but I am looking forward to another opportunity next season and many other goals to work towards this season,” noted Hoffman. “The Final Climb is always brutal, but it was made harder today by dumping snow. The conditions were extremely slow and challenging. I struggled heading down the valley to the base of the climb, but once we hit the hill I felt good. I am pleased to move up on the day and am happy with my fitness with just a month to go until the Olympics.”

World Champion Jessie Diggins finished a career best 13th in the Tour, while Therese Johaug led a Norwegian podium sweep for the women. Johaug took the first ever women’s Tour victory for Norway, while also leading her teammates Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen and Heidi Weng onto the podium.

“I’m especially psyched for Liz with such an awesome tour – the best any U.S. woman has ever had!” exclaimed Diggins. “Our staff was amazing, working so hard through this whole Tour de Ski, and I’m really proud to be part of this crew.”

 

Women’s Tour de Ski Past Results

2014

7 – Liz Stephen

13 – Jessie Diggins

2013

12 – Kikkan Randall

15 – Liz Stephen

21 – Jessie Diggins

2012

10 – Kikkan Randall

24 – Liz Stephen

39 – Holly Brooks

2011

21 – Kikkan Randall

 

Men’s Tour de Ski Past Results

2014

25 – Noah Hoffman

2013

44 – Kris Freeman

46 – Noah Hoffman

2012

43 – Kris Freeman

2011

28 – Kris Freeman

Release courtesy of USSA

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