Ritchie Scores a Top 25 in Gurgl Slalom

On the second day of racing in Gurgl, Austria, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie landed in 21st place, adding a second top-30 result to his 2024-25 season campaign. He is coming off this success in Levi, where he skied to a career-best 13th place. 

In today's event, the weather was much warmer compared to the conditions the women skied in just hours prior. The first run course set proved tricky for the men racers, evidenced by many skiers not making it to the finish line. Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Jett Seymour was first on the American roster but ran into trouble on the pitch and did not finish. Ritchie was next. On a hill giving many issues, Ritchie looked unbothered, skiing solid and confident enough to give himself a chance for a good day in 15th place. 

“I feel alright, very happy with my first run,” said Ritchie. “It’s a very challenging hill and very icy surface.” 

On the second run, the sun shone, and the course was more straightforward - allowing athletes to take more risks with their skiing game plan. Ritchie again skied solid with no significant issues to land in the 21st, respectively. However, Ritchie is hungry for more and knows he can compete with the world’s best. 

“Second run wasn't great - it wasn't horrible but I am happy to get points again. I gave myself a chance to really be in the race and I didn't quite put it together on the second run but if I can keep giving myself a chance to be in there eventually it will come around.”

The ultimate race winner was French skier Clement Noel, who marked his second World Cup win of the season, followed by Swedish skier Kristoffer Jakobsen, who finished in second place, and Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath, who rounded out the podium in third place. River Radamus and Luke Winters also raced the first run but did not qualify for the second run. 

The slalom team has a few weeks off before their next World Cup start gate. 

“I am going to keep hammering training and build on this progression,” said Ritchie. 

The following men’s tech series will be held in Val d’Isere, France, Dec. 14-15. 

RESULTS:
Men's slalom