MIDWAY, Utah— Colorado and Utah set the early tone at the Utah Invitational on Friday, finishing 1-2 in both the women's and men's 7.5K freestyle races to separate themselves from the field through the opening day of Nordic competition.
On the women's side, Utah earned the race win behind a 1-2 finish from Erica Laven and Sofia Pedersen, while Colorado followed closely with three skiers inside the top six. Nina Schamberger led the Buffaloes in third, followed by Tilde Baangman in fourth and Astri Lunde in sixth. Montana State also showed depth, placing two skiers in the top 10 to remain within striking distance in the team standings.
The men's race featured a tight battle at the front between Utah and Colorado. Mons Melbye claimed the victory for the Utes, while Jakob Moch and Storm Pedersen finished second and third for Colorado to give the Buffaloes the team win in the event. Alaska Fairbanks added a strong showing, placing fourth and eighth, and finished just a few points behind Utah in the men's team scoring.
After the first day of competition, Colorado leads the team standings with 188 points, followed by Utah with 174 and Montana State with 136.
AGATE
TEAM SCORES: 1. Colorado, 188; 2. Utah, 174; 3. Montana State, 136; 4. Denver, 122; 5. Alaska Fairbanks, 118; 6. Alaska Anchorage, 91.
WOMEN'S 7.5K FREESTYLE: 1. Erica Laven, Utah, 20:08.2; 2. Sofia Pedersen, Utah, 20:13.4; 3. Nina Schamberger, Colorado, 20:20.4; 4. Tilde Baangman, Colorado, 20:23.7; 5. Katey Houser, Montana State, 20:24.1; 6. Astri Lunde, Colorado, 20:35.9; 7. Eve Ondine Douchafour, Denver, 20:53.6; 8. Maja Moland, Denver, 21:18.3; 9. Ally Wheeler, Utah, 21:35.9; 10. Felice Chappaz, Montana State, 21:37.3.
MEN'S 7.5K FREESTYLE: 1. Mons Melbye, Utah, 17:17.8; 2. Jakob Moch, Colorado, 17:26.3; 3. Storm Pedersen, Colorado, 17:54.3; 4. Benjamin Dohlby, Alaska Fairbanks, 18:03.3; 5. Corbin Carpenter, Alaska Anchorage, 18:06.7; 6. Gavin Galyardt, Montana State, 18:17.3; 7. Johannes Flaaten, Colorado, 18:18.0; 8. Philipp Moosmayer, Alaska Fairbanks, 18:22.4; 9. Benjamin Barbier, Montana State, 18:27.5; 10. Yannick Zellweger, Denver, 18:30.9.
| Date | Race |
|---|---|
| Jan. 24 | Women's 7.5K Freestyle |
| Jan. 24 | Men's 7.5K Freestyle |
| Jan. 25 | Women's 15K Classic |
| Jan. 25 | Men's 15K Classic |
| Feb. 22 | Women's Giant Slalom |
| Feb. 22 | Men's Giant Slalom |
| Feb. 24 | Women's Slalom |
| Feb. 24 | Men's Slalom |