In the last race in Europe before the World Cup tour comes to Canada early next month, Sadie Bjornsen of Anchorage racked up a 15th-place finish Sunday to lead the U.S. Ski Team.
Bjornsen and her teammates faced a challenging course and tough conditions in the women's 15-kilometer skiathlon in Lahti, Finland. The race began with a 7.5-kilometer classic leg followed by a 7.5-K freestyle leg.
Bjornsen's brother, Erik, also scored World Cup points. He led the U.S. men with a 27th-place finish in the 30-K skiathlon.
The race featured another brother-sister pair from Anchorage. Caitlin Patterson placed 29th in the women's race to pick up World Cup points for the second time of the season – and of her career – and Scott Patterson finished 52nd in the men's race.
Norway's Therese Johaug and Martin Sunby claimed the gold medals.