HAYWARD, Wis. — Presented with a rare chance to compete in North America's largest cross-country skiing event, Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins took full advantage of the opportunity.
The Afton, Minnesota native used a late surge to hold off Flora Dolci, of France, to capture the 50-kilometer women's skate title on Saturday at the American Birkebeiner. Alaskan Gus Schumacher won the men's 50-kilometer skate event, holding off Salt Lake City's Sam Hendery and David Norris of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Hannah Rudd, of Bozeman, Montana, won Sunday's 30-kilometer women's classic race and Reid Goble, also of Bozeman, won the 30-kilometer men's division. For complete results, click here.
This weekend mark the first time Diggins was able to compete in the Birkie since winning the Kortelopet Classic, a 29-kilometer race held during Birkie week, in 2008 and 2009. This year, the 50th running of the event, was the first time she was able to compete in the main race.
Saturday's Birkie capped a hometown tour for Diggins after a podium finish at the Stifle Loppet Cup last weekend in Minneapolis.
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