Bend skier third at nationals

Blackhorse von Jess shines at U.S. Cross Country Championships in Utah

Published: January 03. 2013 4:00AM PST

Blackhorse von Jess

SOLDIER HOLLOW, Utah — Bend skier Dakota Blackhorse von Jess placed third in the men’s classic sprint race Wednesday on the first day of racing at the U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships.

Blackhorse von Jess, who skis with the Bend Endurance Academy, advanced through his qualifier and quarterfinal races on the 1.3-kilometer course, then came from far behind to survive his semifinal heat and advance to the final.

In the six-man final, Blackhorse von Jess was part of a four-wide sprint to the finish, where he finished third behind winner Torin Koos, a former Bend resident and three-time Olympian now skiing with the Bridger Ski Foundation of Bozeman, Mont., and Michael Sinnott, of Sun Valley, Idaho.

Blackhorse von Jess is one of a number of Central Oregon-based skiers who are among the 430-plus cross-country racers from around the nation competing in the championships. Freestyle distance races are scheduled for Friday, classic distance races are set for Sunday, and freestyle sprints close out the competition on Tuesday.

—Bulletin staff report

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