LAKE PLACID, N.Y.— Colorado's Tilde Baangman and Utah's Mons Melbye claimed individual victories Wednesday in the 20K freestyle at the 2026 U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships, an official RMISA qualifier held at Mt. Van Hoevenberg.
Baangman led a dominant showing for Colorado on the women's side, winning the race and placing all four Buffs inside the top nine. Alaska Fairbanks' Rosie Fordham finished second, while Utah's Neve Gerard placed third.
On the men's side, Melbye secured the win for Utah, holding off Colorado's Jakob Moch, who finished second in his collegiate debut after leading the race through much of the early and middle stages. Utah's Zach Jayne rounded out the podium in third.
The 20K freestyle does not count toward RMISA Invitational team scoring but serves as an official qualifier toward NCAA Championship selection.
WOMEN'S 20K FREESTYLE (RMISA Qualifier): 1. Tilde Baangman, Colorado, 54:34.1; 2. Rosie Fordham, Alaska Fairbanks, 56:10.2; 3. Neve Gerard, Utah, 56:54.6; 4. Selma Nevin, Colorado, 58:20.9; 5. Katey Houser, Montana State, 58:27.6; 6. Ruby Serrouya, Denver, 58:29.0; 7. Nina Schamberger, Colorado, 58:32.7; 8. Marlie Molinaro, Alaska Anchorage, 1:00:35.0; 9. Elena Grissom, Colorado, 1:00:46.5; 10. Marit Flora, Alaska Anchorage, 1:01:00.7.
MEN'S 20K FREESTYLE (RMISA Qualifier): 1. Mons Melbye, Utah, 47:37.7; 2. Jakob Moch, Colorado, 47:39.7; 3. Zach Jayne, Utah, 47:49.1; 4. Ben Dohlby, Alaska Fairbanks, 49:36.3; 5. Simon Chappaz, Montana State, 49:57.9; 6. Corbin Carpenter, Alaska Anchorage, 50:05.6; 7. Phillip Moosmayer, Alaska Fairbanks, 50:11.5; 8. Erling Bjoernstad, Alaska Anchorage, 50:21.0; 9. Gavin Galyardt, Montana State, 50:23.8; 10. Luka Riley, Colorado, 51:25.8.
| Date | Race |
|---|---|
| Jan. 8 | Women's 20K Freestyle |
| Jan. 8 | Men's 20K Freestyle |