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Macuga Notches Career-Best Super-G Result

By Sierra Ryder - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 17 2023
lauren
Lauren Macuga skis to a career best result in super-G. (Getty Images)

On Sunday’s super-G in Val d’Isére, France, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Lauren Macuga notched a career-best 17th place result. 

It was a very difficult super-G day for the women’s field with over 20 did not finish results, and racers needed extra grit to find the finish line. The top performer of the day was Italian force Federica Brignone winning by 0.44 seconds above Norway’s Kasja Vickhoff Lie in second and Sofia Goggia of Italy in third. 

Macuga ran with bib 50 and ended up being the top, and the only, U.S. woman to find the finish. Macuga skied strong and confident to end up in the top 20. 

“I’m ecstatic, literally insane,” said Macuga. “My run didn’t feel that good, but I think that’s a good thing. I was pushing while also being smart.”

Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes Mikaela Shiffrin, Bella Wright, Alice Merryweather, Jackie Wiles and Keely Cashman did not finish the first run. 

“It was dark and bumpy and also a course that you need to be smart in. I feel I did just that. I still left a little bit on the hill, but gives me a lot of confidence for the next races,” said Macuga. 

The next women’s speed event will be held in Zauchensee, Austria Jan. 12-14.  

RESULTS
Women's super-G

Ford Top 10 in Alta Badia Giant Slalom

By Sierra Ryder - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 17 2023
tommy
Tommy Ford captures a top 10 result in the Alta Badia giant slalom. (Getty Images)

On Sunday’s giant slalom in Alta Badia, Italy, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Tommy Ford secured a ninth place position, his first top 10 finish of the season. 

It was a clear and sunny day for a men’s giant slalom race in the Italian dolomites and the world’s top giant slalom skiers were ready to push on the fan-favorite course. Swiss skier Marco Odermatt once again dominated the hill, taking the first run lead with Croatia’s Filip Zubcic in second and Austrian Marco Schwarz in third. 

Tommy Ford ran with bib 25 and arced clean turns down the pitch to land in 15th position after the first run. Ford was one of the last skiers with a higher bib than 15 to punch a run into the top 15 group.

On the second run, the course set was rhythmical, but the racers still needed to fight to make up time down the pitch and onto the flats. Ford ran in the middle of the field and nailed the run from top to bottom with a few minor mistakes. He punched the line into first and moved up six spots to snag ninth place. 

“I love being here with great conditions and could not ask for a better day,” said Ford. “I was just letting it go, not overthinking it and it was good.” 

The winner of the day was Marco Odermatt with Croatia’s Filip Zubcic close behind. Third place was back by a wide 2.26 second gap with Slovenia’s Zan Kranjec. 

Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes Brian McLaughlin and Isaiah Nelson did not qualify for a second run in 45th and 51st place. George Steffey and River Radamus did not finish the first run. 

The men will have another crack at the Alta Badia giant slalom Monday.

RESULTS
Men's giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH
Men’s giant slalom, Alta Badia, Italy, run 1 4:00 a.m. ET, run 2, 7:30 a.m. ET, skiandsnowboard.live

Leith & Jacobellis Sixth in Mixed Snowboard Cross Team

By Libby Arganbright - Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team
December, 17 2023
Cervinia SBX
The start of the Cervinia snowboard cross World Cup course. (@fissnowboard)

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athletes Senna Leith and Lindsey Jacobellis finished in sixth place in the second mixed snowboard cross team World Cup race of the season in Cervinia, Italy. 

In the snow-capped mountains of Breuil-Cervinia, with the Matterhorn as its backdrop, two-time Olympic gold medalist Jacobellis and Leith took on the world's best snowboard cross riders to battle it out in the mixed team event. After competing in quarterfinals, Jacobellis and Leith were set to compete in the small finals and ultimately ended up in the sixth spot overall.

The mixed team podium was led by Omar Visntin and Michela Moioli of Italy, Loan Bozzolo and Chloe Trespeuch of France in second and Kalle Koblet and Sina Siegenthaler of Switzerland in third.

Teammates Cody Winters and Stacy Gaskill also competed in the event, ending up in 11th. This comes a day after Winters clenched his best World Cup result in snowboard cross landing in fourth. 

Up next, the team travels to St. Moritz, Switzerland on Jan. 25-26. 

RESULTS
Mixed Team Results 

Brennan Podiums in Trondheim; Diggins Fourth, Ogden Eighth

By Leann Bentley - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 17 2023
rosie brennan
Rosie Brennan celebrates her second place result in the 10k classic. (NordicFocus)

In the final race of a three-race series in Trondheim, Norway, the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team athletes were once again back on top with Rosie Brennan on the podium in second, Jessie Diggins only seconds behind in fourth and Ben Ogden in eighth in the 10k classic.

The classic tracks were wet from moisture, the air was warm and the start list was packed with talent. Athletes skied around the course twice, racking up 11k of trail when it was all said and done. Among the seven American men starters, Ogden led the way. At each time check, he was in the mix, skiing a smart and tactical race, honing in on his classic ski strength to finish in eighth. Not far behind was the young Alaskan Zanden McMullen in 29th, adding another World Cup top-30 result to his resume. 

For the women, Brennan reaffirmed her dominance, showcasing her versatility in every event. Starting conservatively, Brennan accelerated mid-race and never relinquished her podium position. At the 5.2k mark, she trailed the leader by a mere 10 seconds, closing the gap the more she skied. In the final stretch, Brennan put down a powerful sprint, crossing the line in second place, just two seconds ahead of Sweden's Ebba Andersson and 19 seconds behind the day's victor, Victoria Carl of Germany. Diggins was just off the podium in fourth place. 

Reflecting on the team's exceptional performance, Brennan said, "It's been an incredibly strong start from our entire team. It's not something we planned, but we'll gladly take it. Our team is in excellent shape, skiing well, and things are moving in a positive direction."

After four weeks of racing, the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team closed out the first period of racing with one of the program's most impressive starts to a season in history. Throughout the 10 races, spanning four different venues and three countries, the team landed on the podium nine times, in both individual and team pursuits. Overall, the 23-athlete-strong roster is third in the Nations Cup standings, ahead of powerhouse countries like Finland, Germany, France and Italy. 

In the battle for the overall title, Jessie Diggins maintains her lead, with Brennan closely trailing in third—a historic positioning with two Americans occupying the top two spots. Individually, Brennan, currently ranked second in the World Cup overall, has consistently finished within the top 10 in every race of the season but one. On the men's side, Ben Ogden continues to make waves, securing another top-10 result and hovering on the edge of the top 10 in 11th place for the World Cup overall.

As the team looks back on the achievements of period one, there is much to celebrate—multiple podiums, outstanding skis in each race, career-best results and a strong sense of camaraderie within the team.

"Podiums are always fun for the team, and even when it’s coming from just one athlete," said Matt Whitcomb, Head Coach. "So imagine what it feels like to come out of period one with five athletes that have stood on it. And beyond that, we have new athletes in the top 30 and top 15 for the first time. We’ve built some depth, and that depth is like a ladder of possibility that extends down to the racers back home. More American athletes know they can do it. And they are going to. You’ll hear their names soon."

Anticipation builds for the upcoming Tour de Ski, with the American team emerging as the one to watch, but for now, the entire team will take a break for the holidays.

RESULTS
Women
Men

Mastro Third in Toyota U.S. Grand Prix

By Libby Arganbright - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 16 2023
maddie mastro
Maddie Mastro smiles after the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe event at Copper Mountain, Colorado (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team halfpipe team athlete Maddie Mastro took home her 13th World Cup podium today at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, finishing the day in third. 

Athletes gathered on the massive 22-foot tall superpipe today in Copper where Olympian Mastro came in third. On her highest scoring run, Mastro executed her tricks: the front 9 mel, back 5 indy, front 7 font side grab, cab 7 under flip indy into front double crippler front side grab. Her result in Copper secured the coveted FIS World Cup yellow bib, signifying she is the current women's snowboard halfpipe World Cup leader. 

Teammate Bea Kim also competed in finals, just missing the podium in fourth. Kim's fourth place result was due to her well-executed tricks, including the front 7 melon, cab 5 indy, switch back 5 mute, cab 7 and her list hit, front 9. 

At the end of the day, Gaon Choi of Korea won first place and Mitsuki Ono of Japan was second. 

On the men's side, Chase Josey took seventh place in finals, with his front double 10 stale fish, cab 9 tail, switch back 10, back double chuck into front double 12. 

Ayumu Hirano of Japan was first, Chaeun Lee in second and Yuto Totsuka of Japan took the third spot. 

“Today was a great day. Copper built one of the best halfpipes of the year,” said Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team halfpipe team head coach Danny Kass. “Big shout out to the mountain and the team for working so hard. It was great to see Maddie Mastro step up again, improving on what she laid down in China adding that big front nine and the double crippler. Wanted to see Chase Josey put it down in that one but we'll get it next time.”

Up next, the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team halfpipe team takes a holiday break before traveling to Laax, Switzerland for a halfpipe World Cup event Jan. 17-20. 

RESULTS
Women's halfpipe
Men's halfpipe

Forehand Wins Visa Big Air Presented by Toyota

By Libby Arganbright - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 16 2023
Mac Forehand
Mac Forehand celebrates after winning Visa Big Air Presented by Toyota at Copper Mountain. (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team slopestyle team athlete Mac Forehand took home first place in the Visa Big Air Presented by Toyota at Copper Mountain, his first big air World Cup podium in his career. 

It was a beautiful day in Colorado, with the sun shining and large crowds amassing at the big air jump in Copper's Center Village. On his highest scoring runs, Forehand executed a left triple 18 mute and switch left triple 18 mute, securing the first place finish among a stacked list of competitors. The win also scored him the national champion title for the 2023-24 season.

"It feels incredible!" said Stifel U.S. Freeski Team slope team athlete Mac Forehand. "I learned that forward triple 18 mute only last spring and I haven't done it too much. So every time I do it, it's pretty terrifying... It feels insane. First big air World Cup podium for me!"

Teammate Alex Hall also competed in finals, finishing in seventh with right side double 10 safety pullback to 9 and switch left tail butter 14 lead Japan. Troy Podmilsak made finals but unfortunately was a DNS due to illness. 

Miro Tabanelli of Italy secured the second spot and Birk Ruud of Norway was in third. 

On the women's side, Rell Harwood took sixth place in finals - her best finish in a big air World Cup. Rell showed up big, throwing a left double 12 mute and switch right bio 10 safety. She also was dubbed the national champion in big air for the 2023-24 season. 

"My day was amazing!" said Stifel U.S. Freeski Team slope team athlete Rell Harwood. "Perfect weather, perfect jump and I was skiing with my best friends. It was hard not to ski well and just have a good time." 

Tess Ledeux of France was first, Mathilde Germaud second and Kristy Muir of Great Britain took the third spot. Germaud won the Visa Best Trick award.

"I'm so proud of Mac," said Stifel U.S. Freeski Team pro slope team head coach Dave Euler. "He's been skiing like a man on a mission all week and he knew what he wanted to do coming into today. So stoked that he came out, landed the tricks that he wanted to do and even better that it gave him the victory." 

Up next, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team slopestyle/big air team takes a Christmas break before traveling to Laax, Switzerland for a slope World Cup event Jan. 17-21. 

RESULTS
Women's Big Air
Men's Big Air

Giaccio, Macuga go 2-3; Five in the Top 10 in Alpe d'Huez

By Ryan Odeja - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 16 2023
Olivia Giaccio and Alli Macuga on the podium following the dual moguls event in Alpe d'Huez
Olivia Giaccio and Alli Macuga on the podium following the dual moguls event in Alpe d'Huez. (Mateusz Kielpinski / FIS Freestyle)

The Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team women’s moguls athletes once again showed their speed and strength in today’s dual moguls event, landing Olivia Giaccio and Alli Macuga on the podium in second and third, each earning new personal bests. 

It was another bluebird day in Alpe d’Huez, France, and emotions were high across the board. Olivia Giaccio put on yet another stunning performance today to put herself in the big final against World Cup leader Anthony Jakara. They were neck and neck throughout the entire run, but Jakara was just a bit quicker, landing Giaccio in second place. Although it wasn’t a win, this second place was still incredibly meaningful to Olivia as it was her best career finish in a dual moguls event, improving upon her previous top finish in third last year in Almaty. This podium was particularly special because Giaccio’s parents were there to witness it in person. 

Just behind Giaccio was Alli Macuga, who finished in third place, capturing her first career World Cup podium. Macuga smiled ear to ear from the moment she finished her last run till she stepped off the podium. 

“I can nearest put into words how much I’ve worked for this; ever since I knew mogul skiing was a thing, I’ve looked forward to the day I would get my first podium,” said Macuga. “I am beyond happy with my performance and such fun duals today! I am so grateful for my family always cheering me on and pushing me to get there and my coaches for guiding me; finally, my teammates/best friends cheered me on and pushed me to do my best!”

Just off the stacked podium was Tess Johnson who finished in fourth, followed by Elizabeth Lemley in fifth and Hannah Soar in sixth. Jaelin Kauf unfortunately DNFd during her 1/16 final run, finishing in 27th. 

Nick Page led the pack for the U.S. men, finishing in 13th, along with Dylan Marcellini in 15th, Dylan Walczyk in 22nd and Cole McDonald in 24th. 

The team is headed to Bakuriani, Georgia, for another set of moguls and dual moguls events Dec. 22-23.

RESULTS
Women
Men

Diggins Second in Trondheim 20k Skiathlon, Brennan Eighth

By Leann Bentley - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 16 2023
jessie diggins
Jessie Diggins smiling across the finish line in Trondheim, Norway. (NordicFocus).

In today's 20k skiathlon, Jessie Diggins was back on the podium in second, clinching her fourth podium of the 2023-24 season and 51st podium of her career. Rosie Brennan finished the day in eighth, tallying another top 10 to her impressive season.

As a test event for the 2025 FIS Cross Country Ski World Championships, the skiathlon gives spectators and fans the opportunity to see athletes ski both skate and classic in the same race. For the 20k skiathlon format, athletes kicked off the start line in classic skis, with 10k ahead of them. After more than 25 minutes of hard-fought classic skiing, racers switched to skate skis to finish out the remaining 10k.

It was a warm day in Trondheim, with light rain and the warmest temperatures the athletes have raced in this season. Coming off a fourth place result the day prior in the skate sprint, Diggins started off fast, alongside her teammates Brennan, Novie McCabe and Alayna Sonnesyn. Through the first 10k, Brennan was in the lead pack, skiing comfortably behind the ultimate winner of the day, Ebba Andersson of Sweden. At every time check, Brennan maintained her second position, but on the skate leg, Diggins found her found her way to the front, leading the chase group.

Through the checkpoints, Diggins went from seventh place up to second, making moves to position herself for the finishing stretch, in which she turned on the gas to cross the line in second, 15 seconds behind Andersson. Across the line, Brennan was 52 seconds behind the winner in eighth and McCabe finished within the top 30 in 23.

For the men, Ben Ogden led the U.S. men, finishing in the top 20 in 17th.

Tomorrow, the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team will wrap up the first period of racing with a 10k classic before a well-deserved holiday break.

RESULTS
Women
Men

Bennett Podiums Again in Val Gardena

By Sierra Ryder - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
December, 16 2023
Bryce
Bryce Bennett notched his third World Cup podium with a third place in Val Gardena downhill. (Getty Images)

On Saturday’s second downhill of the weekend in Val Gardena, Italy, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Bryce Bennett followed up his Thursday victory with a third place. 

Bennett proved that his downhill skillset is going to be a competitive force on the circuit this season. He not only secured his third career World Cup podium, but he is also tied for the downhill overall standings alongside last season’s previous Crystal Globe winner, Norwegian Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, with 160 points. 

“Today felt better than Thursday’s win,” said Bennett. “It was a lot to come off a win with the red bib. I’ve never been in that position where you ski well and then you have another opportunity the same week.”

Bennett saw the opportunity and seized it. It was once again another gorgeous day in Val Gardena for the downhill. The sun was shining through the beautiful Italian dolomites and the men’s downhill team was ready to bring it all on the hill. 

Out of the gate, Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde took the lead. But Italian dark horse Dominik Paris had a near-perfect run in his home country, taking a dominant lead over Kilde by 0.44 seconds. 

All eyes were on Bennett who ran bib 18. He skied strong with minimal mistakes gaining speed toward the middle of the run to punch the line into third place, 0.60 seconds back from the pace. The time held through the remainder of the racers to secure his second podium of the season and his third World Cup podium of his career. 

“This has been the most fun ski race weekend I’ve ever had,” said Bennett. 

The rest of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team also showed strong results. Jared Goldberg skied extremely fast on the top half of the course with top splits and top speeds. But with a few mistakes in the middle Goldberg settled for an 11th place result, just ahead of his teammate Ryan Cochran-Siegle in 13th. 

“I feel good about today because I did not feel super relaxed coming into the day,” said Goldberg. “I am looking for consistency and will bring this heat into the other races.”

Finally, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Kyle Negomir skied a strong line to score a 30th place position, snagging a downhill World Cup point. But it was not without its theatrics, he caught an edge just before the finish line and crashed through the finish. He was okay and walked away with a World Cup result. 

Sam Morse also raced, he took 41st place. Sam DuPratt did not finish. 

The speed men will now take this solid opening speed event and prepare for the Bormio World Cup Dec. 28-29.

RESULTS
Men's downhill

Winters, Gaskill Fourth in Cervinia

By Libby Arganbright - Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team
December, 16 2023
Snowboard cross race
Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athletes take on the race track in Cervinia, Italy. (FIS)

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athletes Cody Winters and Stacy Gaskill both finished in fourth in the snowboard cross World Cup race in Cervinia, Italy. 

Snowboard cross riders took on the fun and speedy track in Cervinia today, working their way through quarterfinals, semifinals and ultimately Winters and Gaskill were some of the fastest riders today, earning a spot in big finals. Both athletes just missed the podium, landing in the number four spot for the event. It was a memorable day for Winters as he clenched his best World Cup result in snowboard cross and Olympian Gaskill took home her third World Cup top-five result. 

The women's podium was led by Sina Siegenthaler of Switzerland, with Australians Belle Brockhoff and Josie Baff in second and third. For the men, Alessandro Haemmerle of Austria was first, Adam Lambert of Australia was second and Eliot Grondin of Canada secured the third place finish. 

Teammates Nick Baumgartner, Senna Leith and Nathan Pare also qualified for finals in Cervinia. 

Up next, the snowboard cross team stays in Cervinia to compete in the mixed teams event on Dec. 17. 

RESULTS
Men's snowboard cross
Women's snowboard cross