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. 

The sun was shining and crowds were out in full force for the opening race of the 2023-24 Audi FIS Ski World Cup tour in Sölden, Austria on Saturday, Oct. 28. Winningest alpine skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin led the way for the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team in sixth place with Paula Moltzan in 11th. 

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team women were amped to start the season off, with two athletes, Mary and Elisabeth Bocock, making their official World Cup debuts.

Shiffrin, who holds the record for the most World Cup wins in alpine skiing, said before the race that she was coming into this season slowly, and would look at this event like the best training opportunity possible as she builds up into the season. She was fifth in the first run and took sixth overall. “It was a little messy in spots, but I liked my mentality going into the second run more," said Shiffrin. "I just was not able to execute perfectly, but having said that, the top women skied unbelievable today and I think there is a lot to learn from that."

Moltzan had a tough first run, but it set the stage for Moltzan to hammer down second run, with a clean course starting third in the lineup. She skied the second-fastest second run of the day to end the day in 11th place, moving up from 28th place. “I was excited for the day and when I crossed the finish line, I realized I needed to forget about that run and focus on my skiing,” said Moltzan. “There was nothing to lose, so I just let it go. It felt good to ski how I have been in training. The goal is to keep doing runs like that, and do two of those next time.”

Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami won the opening World Cup, second place went to Italian skier Federica Brignone and third place was Petra Vhlova of Slovakia.

A highlight of the race was the Bocock sister duo, Mary and Elisabeth, racing in their first World Cup in Sölden. It was the first time two sisters debuted in a World Cup together in 24 years. While the sisters did not qualify for second runs, they were thrilled to have the opportunity to ski on the big stage amongst their heroes. 

"That was so cool!" said Elisabeth Bocock. "I can still hear my tech cheering behind me. It was tough but the feeling was awesome."

"It was nice to have each other at the start and going through this new experience together," added Mary Bocock. 

AJ Hurt landed in 34th place after the first run, Mary Bocock in 48th and Stella Johansson in 42nd. They did not qualify for a second run. Elisabeth Bocock did not finish. 

The men will take on the track Sunday, Oct. 29 for their opening giant slalom race.

RESULTS
Women's giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023

• 5:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's giant slalom, run 1, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock
• 8:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's giant slalom, run 2, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock

The Masters extends our condolences to Patrick's family and friends. It was just a few months ago that Patrick was on the scoreboard supporting and cheering us all on at the Summer Fun Nationals. He will be missed!

A Message from the Stratton Streich family:

It is with heavy hearts, on behalf of the Stratton Streich family, to let you know that our beloved Patrick “Quigs” passed away yesterday as a result of a windsurfing accident on the Columbia River.

Pat has been a member of our family for over 25 years. He was loved by us and will be greatly missed.

He was a friend to all and a real grandfather to our son Andy.

RIP Patrick We will always love and miss you.

Thanks to all for your words of support. Our hearts go out to all who are feeling the loss as we are. He had so many friends because he was a good friend. Hugs to all

The opening Audi FIS Ski World Cup kicks off Oct. 28-29 in Sölden, Austria. Fans will be able to watch the men’s and women’s giant slalom action unfold live on Peacock as well as on demand after the event. Tune in to watch Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and winningest skier of all-time Mikaela Shiffrin, as well as world champions Paula Moltzan, Tommy Ford and River Radamus as they take on the Austrian glacier.  Peacock's coverage will feature commentary by Olympic gold medalist and Stifel U.S. Ski Team alumna Picabo Street as well as Steve Schlanger for the event. 

Follow this link to access the live stream of the races. 

HOW TO WATCH

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023
4:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, women's giant slalom, run 1, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock
7:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, women's giant slalom, run 2, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023
5:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's giant slalom, run 1, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock
8:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's giant slalom, run 2, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock

**An additional How to Watch article is forthcoming for all U.S. Ski & Snowboard sports and events.