Correction: Total screwup on my part. The times for the races indicated below are Central European Time not Central US Time. You would think that I would know that (duh!). Thus the races aren't in the evening, but in the morning and early afternoon local time. Apologies!
World cup cross-country skiing returns to the US for the first time in 23 years with racing this Saturday and Sunday.
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| Source: @FISCrossCountry |
More than 30,000 fans are expected for the races, which will be held at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. In fact, the event is sold out.
Snowfall in the Minneapolis area has been scant this season, but Mother Nature provided several inches of natural snow this week that will help beautify the event (which could have gone on with artificial snow). Forecasts suggest a dry weekend although there will be some wind for the Saturday sprints. Race-time temps should be 25-30F each day.
On the Women's side, the US team is having an amazing season. Jessie Diggins, who worked to bring the World Cup to Minnesota, is leading the overall standings and the weekend races are all in skate, which is her best technique. Rosie Brennan is fourth in the overall standings and also threat to win or podium. Sophia Laukli is also having a strong season.
On the men's side, the Norwegians are better than dominating, but Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher are having good seasons and will surely bring their best.
It is my understanding that the races will be streamed live on Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. I'm currently laid up with COVID, so I'll be watching for sure.
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