Cross Country World Cup Finals Make Historic Debut in Lake Placid

The Cross Country World Cup Finals are being held in the United States for the first time, taking place at Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, New York, starting Saturday. This event features top athletes, including Olympic medalists, who are eager to compete on home soil. Notable participants include Jessie Diggins, who is on the verge of securing her fourth overall World Cup title, and Ben Ogden, a silver medalist from Vermont.

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Jessie Diggins, who plans to retire after this season, expressed her desire to leave a lasting legacy both in sports and advocacy, stating, “I can still leave people inspired and motivated and try to touch them and leave them with a piece of my story wherever I go.” Ben Ogden shared his excitement about racing in his home region, emphasizing the support he anticipates from friends and family, saying, “I just can’t wait.” Gus Schumacher echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique culture of American skiing and the enthusiasm of local fans.

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The event is expected to draw large crowds, with thousands of spectators arriving to support Team USA and international competitors. Darcy Norfolk Rowe from the Olympic Regional Development Authority noted the significance of the event, stating, “Thousands of people are on their way here to celebrate and cheer on Team USA as well as all the other international athletes here for the cross-country finals.” The community of Lake Placid is poised to benefit from the influx of visitors, showcasing the town's facilities and hospitality.

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The finals will commence with the women’s 10-kilometer interval start classic on Saturday and conclude on Sunday afternoon with a special event titled “One Last Lap,” featuring retiring stars like Diggins alongside local skiers. This closing event aims to celebrate the athletes' contributions to the sport and engage the community.

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While the excitement surrounding the event is palpable, there are concerns regarding the environmental impact of hosting such large-scale events in natural settings. Jessie Diggins, known for her advocacy on climate issues, has highlighted the importance of sustainability in sports, although specific criticisms regarding this event have not been detailed in the sources.

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• “Any U.S. athlete would love home soil, and we’re just happy to provide our facilities at the world-class capability that they are,” — Darcy Norfolk Rowe, Olympic Regional Development Authority

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• “Just, like, count on American skiing fans to come out just for the love of the game.” — Gus Schumacher, Cross-Country Skier

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• “I’m pretty sure everybody that I ever met at UVM and in Vermont and my whole childhood, they’re all coming,” — Ben Ogden, Cross-Country Skier

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• “I can still leave people inspired and motivated and try to touch them and leave them with a piece of my story wherever I go,” — Jessie Diggins, Cross-Country Skier

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The Cross Country World Cup Finals in Lake Placid represent a significant milestone for the sport in the U.S., bringing together athletes, fans, and the local community in a celebration of cross-country skiing.

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