LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The Utah Ski Team kicked off the 2026 season on a high note with Nordic skiers competing in the 10K classic races at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. These races were part of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships, also counted towards the RMISA Invitational.
Erica Lavén and Zachary Jayne led the team with wins in their respective categories, showing they are in top form after last year’s NCAA Championships. Freshman Mons Melbye made a splash with a silver medal in his debut.
Utah secured a total of 202 points, placing first among six teams. Alaska Anchorage followed with 156 points, while Colorado, Montana State, Alaska Fairbanks, and Denver trailed behind.
Team Director Fredrik Landstedt praised the athletes, saying, “It was a great start! Erica was impressive, and Neve Gerard achieved her best finish. Both Sofia Pedersen and Ally Wheeler started strong in their collegiate careers. Zach finished just 2.3 seconds from the win, and Mons had an excellent first race.”
The competition featured many skilled athletes, including Olympic hopefuls. More than 300 women and 400 men participated, making it a vibrant event.
In the women’s race, Lavén finished with a time of 29:14.4, securing first place and second overall. Neve Gerard and Sofia Pedersen also performed well, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Gerard’s strong finish earned her a spot atop the junior podium, qualifying her for the Junior World Championships.
For the men, Zachary Jayne’s time of 25:31.2 placed him first, closely followed by Melbye at 25:55.3. Walker Hall added to the team’s success with a seventh-place finish. Notably, Jayne finished third overall among all participants, showcasing his competitive edge.
Next up, Utah will compete in a 20K freestyle mass start race on January 8, which will also factor into NCAA Championships qualifications.
The excitement of the season continues as the team looks to build on this strong opening. Skiing remains a thrilling mix of competition and camaraderie, with athletes pushing their limits both on the slopes and in their academic journeys.
For more updates, follow the Utah Ski Team on social media and stay connected with their latest achievements.
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