The Colorado Buffaloes ski team dominated the opening of the Utah Invitational, finishing first in the overall standings after the men's and women's 7.5K freestyle races at Soldier Hollow. They scored 188 points, surpassing host Utah by 14 points, thanks to strong performances including three women in the top six and a second-place finish from Jakob Moch for the men. The team’s depth was evident with all 11 skiers finishing in the top 20 across both races, showcasing their competitive edge in the RMISA this season.

By the Numbers
  • Colorado scored a total of 188 points, leading Utah (174) and Montana State (136).
  • Jakob Moch finished second, only 8.5 seconds behind the leader, Mons Melbye.
Yes, But

Despite the strong opening, the Buffs face challenges ahead as Jakob Moch will miss upcoming competitions due to his participation in the Winter Olympics, potentially impacting their roster depth in subsequent meets.

State of Play
  • Colorado's women's team scored 92 points, closely trailing Utah's 99.
  • The men’s team outperformed Utah with 96 points compared to 75.
What's Next

The Buffaloes will compete in the 15K classic races at Soldier Hollow to conclude the Utah Invitational, aiming to maintain their lead and capitalize on their current momentum before losing key skiers to international commitments.

Bottom Line

The Colorado Buffaloes have proven they can excel at a competitive level against strong opponents, positioning themselves as a formidable contender in the RMISA by showcasing depth and talent across their team. Their performance sets a high standard, though future competitions may test their strength without key skiers.