Unrelenting hills and unyielding competition are featured in equal measure at the Chevrolet U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships at Soldier Hollow, Utah.
The national championships have drawn the top racers in the United States, elite international skiers, as well as a strong contingent of local skiers, including members of the Sun Valley Nordic team.
In Wednesday's classic format, Justin Freeman claimed the men's 10k race with a winning time of 28:33. It was Freeman's (Andover, NH) first U.S. title.
The silver medalist was Alaska's James Southern (28:35) and the bronze went to Lowell Bailey of Lake Placid, NY.
Park City's own Wendy Wagner collected her fourth U.S. Championship. Wagner won the women's 5k classic in 16:32. Alison Crocker, a junior at Dartmouth College, was second in 16:33. Lindsay Williams of Northern Michigan University was third in 16:44.
While only U.S. racers are eligible for medals, Ivan Babikov of Russia (27:55) and Karin Camensisch of Germany (16:15) turned in the fastest times of the day.
Sun Valley products in the mix were Lars Flora (19th), Jess Kiesel (53rd), Mike Sinnott (54th), Lucas Pletcher (59th), Reid Pletcher (80th), David Vanderpool (100th), Matt DeCarufel (127th), Delamon Rego (132nd), Jedd Young (156th), Mike Matteson (173rd), Artie Livingston (183rd), Christopher Holmquist (198th). 225 men finished the race.
Morgan Arritola, who placed fourth in Monday's 15k freestyle, was the top local in Wednesday's classic, finishing 19th in 17:27. Mali Noyes clocked in at an impressive 17:58 and was second in the J1 class and 29th overall out of 167 finishers.
Also: 35—Hilary Patzer. 70—Ashley McQueen. 81—Erin McQueen. 93—Alexa Turzian. 145—Margii Driscoll. Brooke Baughman did not finish.
About 400 racers are registered for the weeklong championships, which conclude on Monday, Jan. 10.
