Radamus 11th, Ford 21st in Season Opener
Amongst the sun, a loud Austrian fanbase and long-awaited comebacks from the men’s tour, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes River Radamus landed in 11th place and Tommy Ford 21st on day two of the first FIS World Cup of the season.
It was a picture-perfect day in Sölden for the men’s giant slalom on Sunday in the heart of Austrian ski racing fandom. The race started out with a major shock. The reigning giant slalom, super-G and overall FIS Crystal Globe winner, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt, fell with bib one on the first run, which opened the door for any racer to grab the first win of the season.
Radamus skied strong with a minor mistake to land in the top 10 first run, and teammate Tommy Ford was not far off the mark in the top 20. But the main focus was on bib 34, the return of Austrian great-turned-Netherlands athlete Marcel Hirscher returning to the sport after 2,051 days. He made it into the top 30. The other significant return was that of Norwegian-turned-Brazil skier Lucas Braathen, who landed in the top 20 and was poised for a clean run two after his first run.
“I think it's really good for the sport that they are back. Braathen hasn't missed a step and will prove to be a challenger all season long. It’s only good for the sport,” said Radamus.
On the second run, Ford skied clean to finish his day in 21st place. Radamus, holding back a smidge, found himself in 11th at the end of the day.
“I am a bit mixed today; the conditions are difficult at this time of year. I am still figuring out how to ski this snow fast,” said Radamus. “I felt good about the execution overall, but in the second run, I tried to push and had a few mistakes. However, I do feel really good about my skiing right now, and I know it will connect.”
The excitement continued for Brazil’s Braathen, who knifed his second run to land just off the podium in fourth. But it was arguably the best day for Norway, with three athletes sweeping the podium. The victory ultimately went to Norway's Alexander Steen Olsen, second place to Henrik Kristoffersen, and third to Atle Lie Mcgrath.
Fellow Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes Isaiah Nelson, Bridger Gile and Cooper Puckett and Global Racing skier Patrick Kenney also raced but did not make a second run. Gile did not finish but is okay. Notably, it was Puckett’s first World Cup start as well, a position he learned he landed a mere 24 hours before go time.
“It was an OK day. I got a little bit low on my run but in terms of the experience it was awesome,” said Puckett. “I think I have been really close to starting World Cups for three years now and it felt natural being here. I want to keep going and giving myself opportunities.”
The U.S. men’s team now prepares for the first slalom race in Levi, Finland Nov. 17 and the next giant slalom will be back on home turf at the Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines on Dec. 8 in Beaver Creek, CO.
RESULTS
Men's giant slalom
