Ligety Passes Torch to Hirscher
KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia (March 14, 2015) - Ted Ligety's (Park City, UT) hopes of a sixth Audi FIS Ski World Cup giant slalom title were dashed Saturday, as Marcel Hirscher of Austria finished second and clinched the season title. Ligety was fourth after a rock hit on his first run set him too far back to challenge for the win. France's Alexis Pinturault took the win.
Ligety came into the second to last GS of the season needing a miracle to overcome the 188 point margin of Hirscher. At the eight gate of the first run, Ligety hit a rock with his left ski, making it difficult to get full control on the icy course where he had won four times previously, including the last two years.
"It cost me at least a second," said Ligety. "Half the turns I couldn’t push. Every single turn on my left foot I’m trying to recover trying to stay in the course. I was trying to compensate as hard as I could but it’s not easy."
It was only Hirscher's second GS title with Ligety having won five - including the last two seasons.
"I’m only surprised he hasn’t won more the last few years - definitely not a surprise," said Ligety of the Pinturault's .68 win over Hirscher today.
The two will meet again next week at the World Cup Finals in Meribel, France.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ted Ligety was fourth in Kranjska Gora, Marcel Hirscher second, as the Austrian took the crystal globe in the Audi FIS Ski World Cup giant slalom.
- It was Hirscher's second GS title. Ligety has won five.
- Tommy Ford was in the points again for the USA, finishing 21st. He and Ligety were the only U.S. finishers.
QUOTES
Ted Ligety
I’m only surprised he [Alexis Pinturault] hasn’t won more the last few years - definitely not a surprise.
RESULTS
Men's Giant Slalom