Where would Colorado Mines have placed in the D1 race? I easily think a podium spot.
"But, D2 is baby nationals. Blah blah blah."
The 10th guy in the D2 Race was at 30:02.5, the 10th guy in the D1 race was 30:02.6.
"But D1 had a harder course. Blah blah blah."
There really was not much of a difference in total elevation gain, etc. Bring back true xc races, and this point might be valid.