Radamus Top 15 in Kranjska Gora; Career Best Finishes for Kenney, Gile
On Saturday’s giant slalom in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s River Radamus was the top performer for the U.S. squad in 12th place with a blazing fast second run. Patrick Kenney snagged his career-best World Cup result in 22nd and Bridger Gile claimed his first World Cup points in 24th.
“Huge day for the boys all around. I'm beyond psyched to see Bridger collect his first World Cup points,” said Radamus. “I know how hard he’s been working for this and how hard it is to break through. I think this gives the whole team confidence seeing the hard work is paying off.”
Gile and Kenney both moved up from behind to snag a second run. It was the first second run of Gile’s career in a World Cup giant slalom.
“Getting two runs feels like ski racing is great and I’m glad I got to ski race today,” said Gile. “I’ve watched River do second runs for a while now and it feels really good to be able to join him and PK in the second run. But this is just the beginning.”
On the second run, all of the men were firing to move up in the rankings. Kenney and Gile both jumped a few spots to ultimately land in 22nd and 24th overall - both personal bests. Then Radamus came down, smoking the tight giant slalom field with the second fastest second run to move up eight spots and land in 12th place overall.
“I made a costly mistake on first run and felt lucky to get a second,” said Radamus. “I gave everything I had to take advantage of the opportunity on the run two and was able to salvage a solid result, but I hope to leave behind the mistakes for the last few races of the season.”
Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway was first with his former teammate Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil in second. Marco Odermatt was third.
Pleased with their performance in the giant slalom, the men will now send those positive vibes and energy to the slalom crew who will hit the track on Sunday.
RESULTS
Men's giant slalom
HOW TO WATCH
3:30 a.m. ET - men’s slalom run 1, Kranjska Gora, SLO - skiandsnowboard.live
6:30 a.m. ET - men’s slalom run 2, Kranjska Gora, SLO - skiandsnowboard.live
