Ganong Podiums on the Streif

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Travis Ganong scored a podium finish at the hardest downhill on the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, taking third place at the Hahnenkammrennan in Kitzbuehel, Austria in front of a roaring international crowd. It was the first American podium in Kitzbuehel since Bode Miller in 2014.

There was some snowfall at the Austrian venue, but that didn’t slow down the men, who threw themselves down the intimidatingly steep Streif track. Ganong started fourth and grabbed the lead to hang on while racer after racer crossed the finish line.

“My goal this season was to push it and I’m happy with what I did and I can walk away being satisfied on what Kitzbuehel gave me,” said Ganong, who was seventh in Friday’s downhill. “It was a pleasure to ski here—I love this place.”

Ganong, now 34 years old, started his first Hahnenkamm in 2011 and has raced on the track almost every year since. He has had some of his shining moments in his career at the historic venue, including six top 10 finishes, but this is his first podium at the “Super Bowl of ski racing.”

“The goal is always to win,” said Ganong. “But I’m stoked with how I skied and it was a fun time being here as a racer.”

Aleksander Aamodt Kidle of Norway won the race—an impressive feat after a near crash in Friday’s downhill and a hurt hand. Veteran skier Johan Clarey of France took second place at age 42.   

Famed Swiss skier Beat Feuz, who dominated the Kitzbuehel track for more than a decade with three victories and nine podiums, retired at the end of his race and celebrated with his family and friends in the finish.

Ryan Cochran-Siegle also scored points, finishing in 20th place, along with Bryce Bennett in 22nd. Erik Arvidsson was 39th and Kyle Negomir 44th. Sam Morse and Jared Goldberg did not finish, but are OK.

The men now head to Schladming for the famous night slalom on Tuesday and an additional night giant slalom Wednesday.

RESULTS
Men’s downhill