Radamus 12th Under the Lights in Schladming

On Tuesday night’s giant slalom race in Schladming, Austria, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete River Radamus landed in 12th place. Radamus powered through a difficult weather day that involved pouring rain, slushy snow and an inconsistent surface. 

“It was dumping rain during the warm up probably the hardest rain I’ve ever skied in we knew it was going to be a tight race so there was no time to warm up or get into you had to go full on from the start,” said Radamus.

Despite the pouring rain the Austrian fans came in by the thousand enduring the pouring rain. The rain was not too strong on the first run inspection but the surface was soft and slushy underfoot. The set was pretty turny and turned into a sprint as they moved the start down lower from the poor conditions. On the first run Radamus skied first for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Radamus did not find the best line but kept his time close in 17th place. 

Fellow U.S. members Patrick Kenney, Isaiah Nelson, Bridger Gile and Cooper Puckett also raced but did not make a second run. Puckett notably had a huge mistake and flew into the air - video can be seen here. 

The second run course set was much faster than the first, allowing racers to make some more significant jumps in their places. Radamus pushed hard but was not perfect; he ended up (at first) moving back a few spots. However the course deteriorated giving Radamus and others moves up the scoreboard.

Ultimately Radamus ended up 12th - a solid position heading into World Championships next week. Not only did Radamus end up 12th but he and Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen tied both first run and second run, down to the hundredth. A scenario you do not see often in the sport. 

“First run I felt good just a bit too safe and it cost me a lot. Second run I pinned it as hard as I could and I thought I skied as lot better," said Radamus. "It’s been a difficult January for me. I have not been skiing the way I want to so second run was a step in the right direction but it was a really tight race.”

The winner of the day was Norwegian Alexander Steen Olsen, in second was fellow Viking Henrik Kristoffersen and in third was Swiss Marco Odermatt. 

Next the men will race giant slalom in Saalbach on Feb. 14.

RESULTS
men's giant slalom 

HOW TO WATCH 
Run 1 - 11:45 a.m. ET - men’s slalom, Schladming, AUT - peacock 
Run 2 - 2:45 p.m. ET - men’s slalom, Schladming, AUT - peacock