Hoffman takes 30k for first gold

2012 US Cross Country Championships

Sun, Jan  8, 2012 - By USSA

RUMFORD, ME (Jan. 6) - Team CXC's Jessie Diggins (Afton, MN) continued her dominance at the U.S. Cross Country Championships winning the women's 20k classic mass start for her fourth career victory. Noah Hoffman (Aspen, CO) had a breakthrough gold, taking the men's 30k by nearly a minute.

Jessie Diggins leads the women at the start of the 20k classic. (USSA/Matt Whitcomb)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jessie Diggins continued her strong weeklong performance, making a move on the final lap that broke apart the lead pack of five.
• Diggins leaves after the Championships for a two-week stint on the World Cup beginning with sprints in Milan.
• Craftsbury Green's Ida Sargent (Orleans, VT) made a move to follow Diggins' breakaway on the final lap to earn silver for her first U.S. Championships distance podium.
• Team CXC Jennie Bender (Johnson, VT) earned her second podium of the week.
• Ski and Snowboard Club Vail's Noah Hoffman (Aspen) earned his first U.S. title, getting sucked back by the pack after an early break but going at it again to build a strong lead into the finish.
• Former World Junior and U23 team member David Norris (Fairbanks, AK) of Alaska Winter Stars continued his strong week with his second podium, takign silver.
• Dartmouth's Eric Packer (Anchorage) took bronze.
• The Championships wrapup Sunday with classic sprints.

RESULTS
Official Results