Americans DNF in Zagreb Slalom

ZAGREB, Croatia (Jan. 6, 2015)—It was a tough evening in Zagreb, Croatia for the U.S. Ski Team men, who are still comprehending Monday’s devastating news from Soelden, Austria. No Americans finished the Audi FIS Ski World Cup night slalom, with only Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) and David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, CO) qualifying for a second run.

The injected hill in Zagreb was icy and unforgiving, coupled with fog and low visibility. But with 10,000 people cheering them into the finish, the atmosphere was electric. Running bullet, Marcel Hirscher from Austria threw down a lightning fast first run that no one could catch—finishing .81 seconds ahead of Felix Neureuther of Germany overall. Sebastian-Foss Solevaag of Norway was in third.

Chodounsky—wearing bib 26—surprised the field when he finished third. However, a few bobbles caught him off balance second run and he skied out of the course. Ligety finished 13th first run, but also DNFed.

The seven Americans wore armbands and tape on their helmets to honor Berlack and Astle at the Zagreb night slalom. 

Seven American racers competed today, with each skier wearing a black armband and tape on their helmets to mourn Ronnie Berlack and Bryce Astle—the two U.S. Ski Team prospects killed in an avalanche on Monday. Prior to the race, the race organizers held a moment of silence.

Will Brandenburg (Spokane, WA), Michael Ankeny (Deephaven, MN), Tim Kelley (Starksboro, VT), Nolan Kasper (Warren, VT) and AJ Ginnis (Waitsfield, VT) did not qualify for second run.

QUOTES
Patrick Riml, Alpine Director
It was an unbelievable day today with everything that happened—the way the guys are skiing, they way they’re charging, I’m just so proud of the staff and the athletes. It’s not the result or the outcome we were hoping for, but it’s impressive how they worked through the whole thing. Daver, the young guys, AJ, Michael, Tim. It’s heartbreaking, but they did a great job.

RESULTS
Official Results