Men’s Giant Slalom Race in Sölden Canceled
The men’s first Audi FIS Ski World Cup race of the 2023-24 season, the annual giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, was canceled due to high winds after 47 racers. Before the final call was made, four Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team men sat in the top 30.
“Due to the extreme wind for the rest of the day and for safety and fairness to all racers, the jury together with the OC (Organizing Committee) and the OSV (Austrian Ski Federation) have decided to cancel today's giant slalom race,” said FIS organizers.
The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team men showed excellent skiing before the cancellation, with teammates and world champions River Radamus in seventh and Tommy Ford in 24th. Brian McLaughlin was also comfortably within the top 30 in 25th and George Steffey in 27th. Isaiah Nelson sat in 41st and Patrick Kenney was unable to take his first run due to the early cancellation.
The top three racers before cancelation was Austrian Marco Schwarz, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt and Alexis Pinturault of France.
The World Cup giant slalom team will now prep for the next race held in Val d'Isère, France, Dec. 9.