Ritchie Top 20 in Wengen Slalom

On Sunday’s slalom in Wengen, Switzerland Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie posted another strong finish in 18th. 

“I was really happy with my first run, thought I skied very solid and fast from my bib,” said Ritchie

Ritchie has scored slalom points this season in almost all of the World Cups building on his slalom career. He started the season with bib 46 and now has found himself currently sitting 19th in the slalom World Cup rankings. A big improvement for the slalom specialist.

It was tough conditions in Wengen for the slalom skiers but Ritchie prevailed on first run. He shot up to eighth place from bib 28 - a jump no one else made in the field. By the second run, however, the conditions became more challenging. It was difficult for the top group to keep their groove. Ritchie was in a top ten position - something he had not yet experienced on run one, so nerves ran high. Despite the added pressure, Ritchie was able to make it down solidify and claim 18th place. 

“Second run I was feeling great I just skied the bottom too safely and in a tight race like today that ended up moving me back quite a bit,” said Ricthie. “Overall it’s still a step in the right direction for me. I started the season at bib 46 and now I’m making my way into the top 30.”

Stifel U.S. Ski Team members Jett Seymour, River Radamus and Luke Winters also raced but did not make a second run. The race was a Norwegian sweep with Atle Lie Mcgrath in first, Timon Haugan in second and Henrik Kristoffersen in third. 

The slalom men will race at the famed Kitzbuhel track again in a week. 

RESULTS
men's slalom