Martin and Patterson Take on Lahti FIS World Cup
Written by GRP Biathlete Raleigh Goessling
GRP skiers Adam Martin and Caitlin Patterson were both named to the US Ski Team squad for the FIS World Cup in Lahti, Finland.
The weekend kicked off with Caitlin Patterson taking on the 15km Skiathlon race. In this format, athletes ski 7.5km in the classic technique, then switch out their skis and poles for skate gear and race 7.5km to the finish.
After a promising start, Caitlin had a misstep on a downhill corner and took a fall. Since it was a mass start race other racers tangled with Patterson while she was down. On Instagram, Caitlin commented, “I guess I lost and edge or something, oops!” Luckily, Caitlin’s body and equipment were okay after the crash and she was able to continue the race. Patterson sustained, “a few bruises” but is otherwise okay. Caitlin wrapped up her online commentary on the incident by adding a heartfelt, “sorry competitors!” Check out Caitlin Patterson’s Instagram @caitlinmpatterson.
Despite a rocky start, Caitlin went on to finish in 37th place even though it was “hard to find my rhythm again” after crashing.
Adam Martin’s Skiathlon race was 30km long beginning with 15km in the classic technique followed by a hurried ski and pole exchange and finishing off with 15km of skate skiing. At the first time check, Martin was ranked 51st and fell back to 55th at the 3rd time check. Adam steadily gained positions as the race went on, rising as high as 42nd before outsprinting his US teammate Hunter Wonders to finish 45th.
Patterson was selected to take the anchor leg of the 4 person US women’s relay team. In the women’s relay the first two athletes ski 5km each in the classic technique. The 3rd and 4th athletes ski 5km freestyle. Caitlin said on Instagram that, “It’s always an honor to suit up with this team, thanks for the great lead up legs Rosie Brennan, Jessie Diggins, and Sophia Laukli!” Patterson added that “Though perhaps I’d hoped to pull a magic anchor and catch up to the big guns, I’m still happy enough with a fast and furious 5km skate to bring the team in at 5th!”
For full results and photos from the FIS World Cup visit https://www.fis-ski.com/en/cross-country and http://usskiandsnowboard.org/.