Richter Survives Moose to Finish Second in Women's Free, Skiing Second at UAA Invitational

Sunday, February 17

Anchorage, AK

All Day

University of Utah

Freestyle (10/10K-M)

Photo by: Steve C. Wilson

Richter Survives Moose to Finish Second in Women's Free, Skiing Second at UAA Invitational

2/17/2019 4:02 PM | Skiing

2019 UAA Invite Day 1 Results

ANCHORAGE – Julia Richter earned her first career podium in the women's 10-km classic to lead the Utah ski team on the first day of the UAA Invitational, as the Utes stand second overall and just eight points out of the lead. Five total skiers finished in the top 10.

The women's race included an unwanted visitor, a moose that crossed the trail. The leaders were briefly forced to stop until it moved on and Richter continued on to a second-place finish. Mariah Bredal finished seventh for her fifth top-10 finish of the year. Karianne Moe placed 11^th while Leah Lange was 12th.

"I am stoked with my first college podium," Richter said. "It was the first race on sea level for me with great snowy Alaskan conditions. The race also included a moose safari, we had to stop for 15 seconds until the king of the forest had passed the ski trail. Thanks to the coaches for great skis and support."

The Ute men placed three in the top 10, led by a fifth-place finish by Maximilian Bie, his second top-five finish of the year. Ola Jordheim continued his consistent results with a sixth-place finish, his seventh top 10 of the year, while Logan Diekmann was ninth in his sixth top 10 finish of the season. Bjørn Riksaasen placed 18^th, Jacob Engström was 19^th with Noel Keeffe 22nd.

"It was a real winter day out there and hard to break away because of the course and the snow, so for the first lap it was a pretty big group," Bie said. "I felt really good, and it was pretty easy to be up there. After 6-7 km we broke away a little group of four guys. The pace got pushed up, and when there was about 500 meters left my legs cramped up so they dropped me, but I managed to push and in the last turn one more guy passed me. But happy with the race after having strep earlier this week and being sick in New Mexico. Excited for the rest of the week!"

The team standings are close at the top as the Utes trail leader Colorado by just eight points, 169 to 161 and Denver is right behind with 158 points. New Mexico is fourth with 137 points.

"We have had some great training in Utah over the past two weeks since the UNM invite," Utah head Nordic coach Miles Havlick said. "Traveling to Alaska and adjusting to sea level is never easy but I am happy with how the week has started! We were faced with some tough conditions today with heavy snow in the men's race. Max bounced back from illness this week with an impressive performance. It's great to see him back in the mix and fighting hard. In the women's race, Julia found herself solidly on the podium and looked comfortable and confident at the front of the race today. She has also struggled with some illness over the past few weeks but it is great to have her back firing on all cylinders. She is also becoming well known among the local moose population! The forecast is looking interesting for tomorrow's sprints but spirits are high to finish the UAA Invite off strong!"

"Yesterday Julia was chased by a moose for a little while during training," adds Director of Skiing Fredrik Landstedt. "Julia and Mariah both skied very smart races today and Logan fought hard for his top 10 in the men's race in addition to very good races from Max and Ola."

Today's race began a full week in Alaska for the teams with races for the UAA Invitational and RMISA Championships/NCAA West Regional meets. The Nordic portion of the UAA Invitational concludes on Monday, Feb. 18, with the classic sprints.