Patterson continues Tour de Ski in Toblach

Written by GRP Biathlete Raleigh Goessling

This season Caitlin Patterson was the only GRP skier selected to race the FIS Tour de Ski.  

The Tour de Ski is a challenging 10 day, 8 race series within the FIS World Cup. The Tour de Ski is modeled after the Tour de France. Athletes fight for overall and category ranking, along with taking their shot at glory on each day’s stage. 

The Tour began with three back to back races in Val Mustair, Switzerland.   

After a rest day, the FIS Tour de Ski got back to business in Toblach, Italy on January 5th with a 10km freestyle race. Caitlinfinished in 39th place, 2:12 behind her US teammate Jessie Diggins. 

The 10km freestyle was followed up with a 10km pursuit race in the classic technique. The pursuit race or “hunt start” begins with the overall Tour de Ski leader taking to the course. Then, each competitor is released at their overall time back from the leader. Caitlin Patterson started the day in 38th position. Over the course of the race, Patterson dropped a single position to end the day 39th, 3:57 behind new overall leader Yulia Stupak of Russia.  

After Toblach, Caitlin and the rest of the Tour de Ski field headed to Val de Fiemme, Italy for the Tour de Ski’s final three competitions.