Anchorage cross-country skier Brennan claims third place at World Cup sprint race in Norway

Despite coming off only three days rest from her last race, Anchorage’s Rosie Brennan took on the course of the World Cup sprint race in Drammen, Norway, and rallied to finish third in the women’s field to lead Team USA on Tuesday.

“Honestly, I’m a bit surprised! I felt really bad yesterday, so I think the extra day helped. You never know what the body will do -- maybe I need to do a 50k warm-up all the time!” Brennan said via usskiandsnowboard.org. “I am so happy. It’s been a tough year. I didn’t know what was going on or what I could do to get back, but it’s nice to know that it’s still there and that I can have a strong finish to the season.”

It marked her fifth individual podium finish of the season and her time of 2:48.86 was just 1.82 out from first place, which was claimed by Norwegian skier Kristine Stavaas Skistad with a time of 2:47.90.

“At the end of the season, everyone is on their last ropes maybe and so you just never know what the body is going to give you. So, I am really happy to have a podium again,” Brennan said in a statement. “I really enjoyed Drammen. I think it’s one of the best World Cups. It’s really fun especially when it’s a beautiful day like this.”

As for her fellow Alaskans on the men’s side, JC Schoonmaker had the best finish by an American after coming in sixth place with a time of 2:40.34 and Zanden McMullen recorded a career-best 17th with a time of 2:39.36.