Stephen finishes historic 5th in Tour de Ski

VAL DI FIEMME, Italy – Liz Stephen powered up the Alpe Cermis hill climb to finish fifth overall in the seven-stage Tour de Ski Sunday, the best result ever by an American in the multi-stage event.

“This is my favorite event of the year,” Stephen said of the Tour de Ski’s final 9k hill climb. “I made it my goal to finish in the top five.”

Stephen began the day in sixth overall, beginning with a trio of skiers placed just behind her. She started slowly, initially ceding time to that group over the first rolling four kilometers but then upped her tempo once the climb began in earnest. Her split time for the stage was the fourth fastest of the day.

“Liz has had a very strong year of training and exhibited top shape all summer and fall, and now we get to see all of the hard work pay off,” described head coach Chris Grover. “I know there are more big results in store from her this season.”

In addition to finishing fifth overall, Stephen was the top non-Norwegian athlete on the results sheet from the 50k stage race. Norway swept the top four podium places, as Marit Bjoergen won the overall women’s event. Norwegian Martin Sundby won the overall men’s race.

Release courtesy of USSA