American Birkebeiner

Tom Reichelt (GER):

It’s a wonderful feeling to win the American Birkebeiner here in Hayward. For me it’s my first time here and it’s also my first victory in the FIS Marathon Cup. And that I do lead now the overall as well…it’s simply amazing. I am really happy. The race today was tough. The speed was relatively high for the conditions. When we came to the lake our group split up to 5 people. That was right before Hayward and when we got into Main Street and the finish, I just pushed on. I felt very confident and believed in myself. I am really happy that it worked out with the victory.

Simone Paredi (ITA):

It’s my first time here at the American Birkebeiner and I really enjoyed it. Even though the race was very hard, especially with the hard wind we had to face quite often and the cold temperatures. I tried to catch Tom in the finish sprint, but he was just too strong for me. But I am really happy with my second place!!

Sergio Bonaldi (ITA):

I am really satisfied with my race today even though I surely hoped to win again after my victory last year. However, on Main Street, I simply didn’t have enough power left to pass Simone and Tom, so I am happy that I could ensure the third place. I am also pretty happy to be on the podium with Simone – our whole team did a great job, especially with Antonella gaining another podium place for us!

Caitlin Gregg (USA):

I am really happy that I could win again this year. It was not so easy but it was my goal after I hadn’t made the Olympic Team. It was a tough race today, especially with the wind blowing strongly over the lake right before the finish. When the men passed us I just thought I have to give it a go and so I pushed hard to stay with them. That worked out pretty well and when I saw Matt Liebsch he said to me: If you feel good, just try to stay with me and we’ll do it. That was just the right thing to do and exactly the help I needed. I am really really happy and I hope to be able to ski many more Birkies!

Antonella Confortola (ITA):

I was skiing close to Caitlin half of the race but when the men came and passed us, she caught the train and followed them whereas I stayed behind. In general it was not easy to get away. I was also very afraid of the cold since I really had problems after a race two years ago. But when the next men came I thought I will just do the same and I did. That was a very good idea. However, over the lake right before the finish, it was very cold and very windy. So I am very happy that it worked out with a second place for me today!

Rosie Brennan (USA):

It was a tough race but I am really happy to be third today. The Birkie is always something special for us Americans, so it’s great to be on the podium here. The weather was nice, even though the wind was blowing very strongly in some palces and made the low temperatures feel even colder. But all the people cheering you on on Main Street right to the finish, this just a great feeling and makes it worthwile the effort!