Diggins starts right where she left off

At 1’400m above sea level, the Swiss winter sport resort of Lenzerheide set the stage for the first Tour stop. A Sprint in Free technique was the first competition on schedule of this years prestigious FIS Tour de Ski performance by Le Gruyère. This years Tour consists of six competitions that are held within eight days in Lenzerheide, Oberstdorf and Val di Fiemme.

Jessie Diggins started right where she left off last year’s Tour de Ski: on top of the podium. The 30 year-old American, who was supported by her family that was cheering along the course, focused on staying up front throughout the heats. She managed well despite her strong competitor field was among the heats and athletes, who set the fastest times during quali, semi and finals. Her victory also makes her the first Tour leader after race number one of the 16th edition of the COOP Tour de Ski performance by Le Gruyère.

Among those athletes was also 23 year-old Mathilde Myhrvold from Norway. The young Sprinter claimed her maiden World Cup podium in her 12th World Cup competition.

“I have been really looking forward to this race the last weeks and I am happy that it went well. During the Tour, I focus on one day after the other and take time to rest when I come back to the hotel. But of course I also take time to enjoy my result of today. This results makes me proud and gives me confidence and for the Olympics it’s hopefully a good sign.”

With Anamarija Lampic, the first podium of the Tour de Ski gets completed. For the Slovenian, who claimed the Sprint World Cup Crystal Globe last season, the result is however not as good as she had hoped for. After Davos and Dresden, today’s Sprint in Free technique ended again with a third rank.