On a dark, bumpy Stelvio downhill track in Bormio, Italy—the same track that he crashed on in Dec. 2017, sidelining him for the rest of the season and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics—Travis Ganong finished eighth on Friday to lead the Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team. 

Home soil has proven to be good for Italian Dominik Paris, who has now has four downhill victories in Bormio—a new record. Friday’s win was Dominik’s third-straight downhill win at the venue. The battle continues between Dominik and Switzerland’s Beat Feuz, who was second by .39 seconds, while Austria’s Matthias Mayer was third, .42 seconds off Dominik’s pace. 

This is Travis’ best finish at the venue since 2012, when he was seventh. Last season, Travis opted to sit out the Bormio season after crashing in a downhill training run on a surface that was among the gnarliest the men have seen—truly a vertical ice rink. The Stelvio track is regarded as one of the most technically challenging downhill tracks on the entire FIS Ski World Cup circuit. Travis, though, excels when it’s dark and bumpy. Take, for instance, his two World Cup victories—one in Santa Caterina, Italy in Dec. 2014, and the other in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany in 2017. Neither of these downhills were smooth-sailing by any means. They were real-deal, gnarly downhills. 

"It's really nice to finally have another good result here in Bormio," Travis said. "This is where I had my first top-10, but also the two years ago I blew out my knee, and last year it was really bad luck with my ski popping off and I tore my LCL—it was just a grade two tear, so I was able to come back—but I hadn't had a finish here in two years. It had been a while, so it was amazing, today, to have some good feelings on the snow, have some confidence and just turn my brain off and ski."

The conditions at Bormio this year are much, well, tamer than last year. Or, as Travis said "very rippable this year, compared to last year." They watered the track pretty consistently all the way through, so it was an icier track than the men encountered in Val Gardena, Italy. There was a bit more cloud cover on Friday, which made visibility consistent and fair for the entire field. When the sun shines it will quite often cast shadows on certain sections of the course, making it difficult for the athletes to see and adjust. 

"This hill really rewards people who don't worry about line, or whatever—they just focus on solid skiing and pushing on the ski and looking for speed. A lot of the tracks on the World Cup are more gliding focused and it's kind of like a drag race, but with this one, there are a lot of places where you can gain time or lose time. It really favors strong and good skiing, so there's not a lot of luck involved here, you have to earn every inch of this hill. Really excited to have another race tomorrow...but then also looking forward to going home after this and having a little break in Tahoe before the second half of the season kicks off." 

Ryan Cochran-Siegle landed in 11th place, 1.65 seconds off the leader. With this top-15, he  continues his consistency streak, having scored points in nine out of the last 10 races, across four disciplines. Ryan, who scored a career-best sixth place at the last downhill in Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek, Colo., will look to bring what he learned from today into tomorrow’s downhill. In the first and only training run on Thursday, Ryan lost a ski, put it back on, and finished his run. That said, Friday’s rescheduled downhill from Val Gardena, was his first full-go at the Stelvio. 

"When I got down to the mid-section before [head coach] Randy [Pelkey] going into the traverse, I just came into a section a little hot and rather than trying to settle my speed, I went into it aggressively, hit some chop and eventually my ski popped off and I twisted around and went into the fence a little," Ryan reflected on Thursday's training run. "Overall, a pretty easy crash in terms of what it could be."

Ryan took what he learned on Thursday into Friday's downhill race. "I know there are certain sections I skied differently today than yesterday," he said. "Knowing that my ski came off in the training run, I was working to be in a better position. I can definitely ski better in certain sections and bring a little bit more of a race mentality, charging a little more, into tomorrow. The biggest thing to learn from today is to trust the skiing and also try to fight more to get the ski going early and skiing powerfully and clean through all the chop. This is my second-best downhill result, so I'm definitely thrilled with my solid skiing, but I know to continue to get better it's going to take aggressive approaches day in and day out on the World Cup, so trying to take that more intense mindset into the start." Needless to say, he's happy to with the result, and he's looking forward to tomorrow. 

Steven Nyman rounded out the American male finishers landing in the top-30, finishing 24th, 2.65 seconds out. The margin between the fastest guy and 30th place was a whopping 3.05 seconds—a rarity in speed events, especially men’s downhill. Thomas Biesemeyer, Bryce Bennett, Jared Goldberg and Wiley Maple also started, but did not finish in the points. Sam started but DNFed. 

Ryan also had props for his teammates, "The past two years Travis has had one minor and one major injury here. He skied really solid, so for him to come down and put that behind him, ski with a racer's mentality and end up with a top-10 is really impressive. Obviously Bryce [Bennett] and Steven want more, and I think if they go into the video room and figure out where to trim some time, they can. Last year Bryce was really competitive here, so we know he can turn things around. Jared, BZ [Tommy Biesemeyer], Moose [Sam Morse] and Wiley all have the ability to ski fast too." Now the men just need to adjust their approach for tomorrow in order to find that speed. 

Up next for the men is another downhill on Saturday, followed by the first alpine combined of the season on Sunday. 

RESULTS
Men’s Downhill

STANDINGS
Men’s Downhill
Men’s Overall  

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Official event hashtags: #bormioskiworldcup

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST

Saturday, Dec. 28
5:00 a.m. - Men’s downhill, Bormio, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Sunday, Dec. 29
4:30 a.m. - Men’s alpine combined super-G, Bormio, ITA - Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
7:30 a.m. - Men’s alpine combined slalom, Bormio, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Note: All televised events to stream across NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app, OlympicChannel.com, and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA app

Exclusive commercial-free coverage will be available for subscribers of the NBC Sports Gold Pass, available here: https://www.nbcsports.com/gold/snow

After a very quick break, the FIS Ski World Cup tour—a.k.a. the “White Circus”—chugs along to Bormio, Italy for the men for a pair of downhills and an alpine combined, and Lienz, Austria, for the women, for a giant slalom and slalom. 

Though the men’s speed team was bummed with the cancellation of one of their favorite downhills [the classic Saslong at Val Gardena, Italy], veteran and team leader Steven Nyman spoke highly of Bormio following the news. 

"Obviously a big bummer," said Steven Nyman after getting word about the cancellation at the venue where he's won all three of his FIS Ski World Cup victories. "It's a place where the Americans have traditionally done well. Bryce [Bennett] is super bummed, but that's ski racing and I am looking forward to Bormio [Italy]...That's a track I know I can do well on, so we just have to look ahead. That's part of the sport."

The cancelled Val Gardena downhill was rescheduled for Friday at Bormio, Italy. In the first and only downhill training run on Thursday, Travis Ganong posted the 12th-fastest time to lead the American men. As always, training runs are for dialing in strategy and tactics and ensuring the equipment set-up is ready for race day. Steven said after his training run on Thursday that he and Bryce both “pinched line and got squashed in compressions.”

“It’s grippier...but it’s still bumpy and dense...last year it was an ice skating rink, this year there are no sections where you’re thinking to yourself, ‘Will my edge bite?!’ It’s much better, but still—it’s dark and bumpy.”

Though there was just one training run, Steven feels like he got a good feel for the track on Thursday. “I pushed the line, and paid a lot,” he laughed. “There are some sections I went straight into that I shouldn’t have, but I ran bib 1 so I didn’t really get to see anybody or hear any reports. There were some sections I skied well and some sections that I just boned. But I’ve had some good [video] review and I know what I need to do, and I just need to do it.”

Keep an eye on Ryan Cochran-Siegle, too, whose ski came off in the training run, but was skiing “nice and balanced” according to Steven. Ryan was sixth to lead the downhillers in the last World Cup downhill at Beaver Creek, Colo. The men’s speed team continued their White Elephant gift-giving tradition with a Christmas party on Christmas night in Bormio, which Steven says was a success—and of course Steven says he purchased the best gift (a pair of wool slippers from a Christmas market). 

Bormio will host two downhills—one on Friday and one on Saturday, followed by the first alpine combined of the season on Sunday. 

On the women’s side, Mikaela Shiffrin returns to action to lead the women’s tech team in Lienz, Austria for a giant slalom on Saturday followed by a slalom on Sunday. Mikaela holds Lienz close to her heart, as it's the site of her first World Cup podium, on December 29, 2011—a podium shared with childhood ski idols Marlies Schild of Austria and Tina Maze of Slovenia. After a tough race in Courchevel, France, Mikaela had a successful tech training block in both Courchevel and at our European training base in Folgaria - Alpe Cimbra, Italy. The Christmas holiday didn’t stop Mikaela, and the conditions in Folgaria were excellent. 

Here’s the rundown of stats for the weekend:

• On December 29, 2011, Mikaela claimed her first World Cup podium in any discipline as she finished third in the Lienz slalom at 16-years-old.
• Mikaela Shiffrin has won 62 World Cup races, equal to Annemarie MoserPröll (62) in second place on the all-time women's list. Lindsey Vonn holds the women's record of 82 race wins. On the men's side, only Ingemar Stenmark (86) and Marcel Hirscher (67) have won more World Cup races. 
• Mikaela has more World Cup victories in all disciplines on Austrian soil (10) than in any other country (9, United States).  
• Mikaela could become the fifth woman to claim a record 11 World Cup wins in Austria, after Renate Götschl, Annemarie Moser-Pröll, Marlies Schild and Lindsey Vonn. On the men's side, only Ingemar Stenmark and Hermann Maier (both 15) have won more than 10 World Cup races in Austria.  
• Mikaela finished on the podium in giant slalom World Cup races in Lienz on two occasions: third places on December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2017.
• Mikaela has won an all-time record 42 World Cup slalom races. Only Ingemar Stenmark (46 in giant slalom) and Lindsey Vonn (43 in downhill) have won more than 42 World Cup races in a single discipline.  
• The last 22 women's World Cup slalom races were either won by Mikaela (18) or Petra Vlhová (4), since retired Frida Hansdotter won in Flachau on January 10 2017. 
• Mikaela has recorded a top-two finish in 21 of the last 22 women's World Cup slalom races, including in each of the last 13 since a 'DNF' in Lenzerheide on January 28, 2018.
• Mikaela can become the first alpine skier, male or female, to record 14 successive slalom podiums in the World Cup. She now shares the record of 13 with Erika Hess (1980-1982). 

Keep an eye on Paula Moltzan, who is excited to be returning to World Cup action after a short break due to some nagging back pain. Nina O’Brien will also start for the women. Nina has shown consistency this season, scoring giant slalom World Cup points in both Soelden, Austria and Killington, Vt., as well as her first parallel slalom points in St. Moritz, Switzerland. 

Check out all the details about who and how to watch below. 

MEN'S STARTERS
Bryce Bennett
Tommy Biesemeyer
Ryan Cochran-Siegle
Travis Ganong
Jared Goldberg
Wiley Maple
Sam Morse
Steven Nyman

WOMEN'S STARTERS
Paula Moltzan
Nina O'Brien
Mikaela Shiffrin

RESULTS
Men’s Downhill Training - Run 1

START LIST
Men’s Downhill

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Official event hashtags: #bormioskiworldcup/#worldcuplienz

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST

Friday, Dec. 27
5:30 a.m. - Men’s downhill, Bormio, ITA - Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Saturday, Dec. 28
4:15 a.m. - Women’s giant slalom run 1, Leinz, Austria - NBC Sports Gold
5:00 a.m. - Men’s downhill, Bormio, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
7:30 a.m. - Women’s giant slalom run 2, Leinz, Austria - NBC Sports Gold

Sunday, Dec. 29
4:00 a.m. - Women’s slalom run 1, Leinz, Austria - NBC Sports Gold
4:30 a.m. - Men’s alpine combined super-G, Bormio, ITA - Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
7:00 a.m. - Women’s slalom run 2, Leinz, Austria - NBC Sports Gold
7:30 a.m. - Men’s alpine combined slalom, Bormio, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Note: All televised events to stream across NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app, OlympicChannel.com, and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA app

Exclusive commercial-free coverage will be available for subscribers of the NBC Sports Gold Pass, available here: https://www.nbcsports.com/gold/snow

Why isn’t Lienz available on NBCSN or Olympic Channel?
The reason Lienz is available via Gold Pass rather than NBCSN or Olympic Channel is that World Cup events held in Austria are not part of the TV agreement that NBC Sports has with FIS. They are controlled and sold by a different rights holder and were purchased by NBC Sports Gold for exclusive use within “Snow Pass.” If you have any further questions, please reach out to NBC Sports Gold's help desk at support@nbcsports.com. 

Why doesn’t “Snow Pass” have commentary?
In order to provide 900+ hours of content at an affordable price, we rely on the world feed (a video feed provided by the rights holder), which often does not include English commentary. Commentary is available on all television coverage provided by NBC, NBCSN and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, and live streaming via authentication at NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
 

Ten U.S. athletes are ready to kick off the 14th edition of the Tour de Ski, featuring seven stages over nine days, beginning Saturday with a mass start freestyle event for both men and women. With no Nordic World Ski Championships or Olympic Winter Games scheduled this season, the tour marks one of the highlights for the athletes and teams. 

Jessie Diggins leads the Davis U.S. Cross Country Ski Team into Saturday’s opener in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. So far this season, Jessie has finished in the top three, three times in individual World Cup races, equal to Norway’s Heidi Weng. Only Norway’s Therese Johaug has claimed more podium finishes this season with four. So far this season, four U.S. women have scored podium results, including Jessie, Sadie Maubet Bjornsen, Julia Kern and Sophie Caldwell. Jessie became the first U.S. woman to finish on the podium in the Tour de Ski when she finished third in 2018.

While the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team has posted numerous top results so far this season, pretty much every race has featured an athlete sitting out an event due to a health reason. “Our really big hope is that everyone arrives in Lenzerheide healthy,” noted U.S. Cross Country Team Head Coach Chris Grover. 

Following Saturday’s mass start event, the athletes will contest a freestyle sprint on Sunday, followed by a rest/travel day to Toblach, Italy, Monday. Tuesday’s race will feature a 10k freestyle for the women and a 15k freestyle for the men. Wednesday, Jan. 1, the women will compete in a 10k classic pursuit, which the men will race a 15k classic pursuit. New this year, the pursuit start times will be based on the results of Tuesday’s stage in Toblach, and not as in the past on the current Overall Tour de Ski standing.

Thursday is the second rest day before the final three stages in Val di Fiemme, Italy, which include a 10k women’s and 15k men’s mass start Friday, Jan. 3; Classic sprint Saturday, Jan. 4; and the final stage 10k freestyle climb on Sunday, Jan. 5. The Final Climb will be a mass start and not pursuit as in the past.

Bonus seconds will be awarded to the top finishers in mass start and sprint competitions. In addition, Intermediate Sprints Points will be offered throughout the stages. All seven stages will be broadcast live on The Olympic Channel - Home to Team USA, OlympicChannel.com and NBCSports Gold.

U.S. starters for the 14th Tour De Ski, Dec. 28 - Jan. 5:

• Jessie Diggins
• Sophie Caldwell
• Rosie Brennan
• Sadie Maubet Bjornsen
• Julia Kern
• Katharine Ogden 
• Simi Hamilton 
• Kevin Bolger
• David Norris
• Logan Hanneman 

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Saturday, Dec. 28
6:45 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Women’s 10k mass start, Lenzerheide, SUI - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
8:15 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Men’s 15k mass start, Lenzerheide, SUI - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Sunday, Dec. 29
5:30 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Men and women’s sprint, Lenzerheide, SUI - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Tuesday, Dec. 31
6:30 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Men’s 15k, Toblach, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
9:00 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Women’s 10k, Toblach, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Wednesday, Jan. 1
5:40 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Women’s 10k pursuit, Toblach, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
7:00 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Men’s 15k pursuit, Toblach, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Friday, Jan. 3
7:15 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Women’s 10k mass start, Val di Fiemme, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
9:15 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Men’s 15k mass start, Val di Fiemme, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Saturday, Jan. 4
5:25 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Men and women’s sprint, Val di Fiemme, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Sunday, Jan. 5
7:15 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Women’s 10k final climb, Val di Fiemme, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
9:15 a.m. - Tour de Ski: Men’s 10k final climb, Val di Fiemme, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

Note: All televised events to stream across NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app, OlympicChannel.com, and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA app

Exclusive commercial-free coverage will be available for subscribers of the NBC Sports Gold Pass, available here: https://www.nbcsports.com/gold/snow.

Hannah Halvorsen is as strong as any athlete on the Davis U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. Her athletic potential is remarkable. But it’s not just her athleticism that shines. Her broad smile and outgoing personality are two infectious traits that make her a great teammate too. 

“Hannah is probably the best friend and teammate you could ask for,” said Hailey Swirbul. “Hannah was one of the first people to send me a congratulatory message after I scored my first World Cup point (in Davos, Switzerland), and it made both of us feel mixed emotions: stoke and sadness.”

Stoke, because Hailey, Hannah, and Julia Kern - three of the four members of the bronze medal winning relay team from the 2017 Junior World Championship - are the next generation of U.S. athletes looking to follow in the successful World Cup and Olympic footsteps of Jessie Diggins, Sophie Caldwell, Kikkan Randall and Sadie Maubet Bjornsen. Sadness, because that dream is on hold after a tragic accident on a downtown Anchorage street on Nov. 1.

“I was in downtown Anchorage, in a crosswalk, and I got hit by a car,” Hannah recalled. She spent five days in the hospital when the accident left her with numerous injuries, including a head injury and significant knee damage that required surgery. “I was with a friend when the car hit me. The car hit my knee, I landed on the hood, then flew off the hood into the road and hit my head.”

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of you know this but in November I was hit by a car while crossing the street. To summarize, I won’t be racing until next season because I have a skull fracture, bleeding and bruising in my brain, a tibia fracture, and my left MCL and PCL are torn completely and detached from the bone. Although I have experienced a fair share of sadness, frustration, and fear, I have also been overwhelmed with gratitude for life and love. Every day I have this realization that I am still alive and that I have no permanent injuries. Thank you everyone who has texted, called, sent me cards and art supplies, and let me stay in your home. I believe I can make it to the next Olympics and that’s because of you.

A post shared by Hannah Halvorsen (@hannah.g.halvorsen) on Dec 4, 2019 at 12:02pm PST

Initially, her recovery was challenging. As she was getting prepped for knee surgery in Vail, Colo., the doctor overseeing her head injury determined she wasn’t stable enough to undergo an operation. So back to the crutches, and California she went. A few weeks later, she returned to Vail’s Steadman Clinic on Dec. 5 and underwent a successful knee surgery performed by Dr. Hackett.

Hannah now faces a long road to recovery—a road that will go through Park City and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Center of Excellence (COE) in January where she will rehab with the Team’s medical staff. While her recovery will surely feature a few bumps along the route, it is a clear pathway and she is focused on the process and the end result—getting back on snow. “There is a road now. As long as there is a road, and path to get there, I’m happy. I can do that,” she said. “I’m going to jump through every hoop I can to keep moving forward, but I know I can’t rush it.”

Hannah will spend the rest of December at home in California, enjoying the holidays with family and friends, but waking up early on the weekends to watch and cheer her teammates competing in World Cup events in Europe, and at SuperTour events in North America—teammates that she pushed to their athletic limits this past fall.

“Hannah is one of the strongest people I know,” said Sadie Maubet Bjornsen. “This summer she really broke through and learned to recognize her strengths as a ski racer. This fall as she passed me in the final stretch of a sprint time trial in Park City, I knew this girl was going to wow the world! When Hannah turns on, there is nothing in her way.”

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cool kids never look like they’re trying too hard...I’ve never been cool. PC: @sarahannbrunson

A post shared by Hannah Halvorsen (@hannah.g.halvorsen) on Oct 21, 2019 at 2:30pm PDT

“She made so much progress this summer and was pushing all of us to find more speed so it just breaks my heart that she won't be putting on a race bib this winter,” said Rosie Brennan. “But, I also know that she has already made a huge commitment to come back and I can't wait to watch her and help her along the journey. That is what being part of a team is all about, helping each other through these tough times and celebrating all the small victories on the road back.” 

It’s that strong team bond that motivates Hannah and her teammates. After all, cross country skiing is a team sport, so the energy that shines through one teammate, can make a difference for another. For Hannah, her strength and determination to get back on snow provides motivation for her teammates as well. 

“Hannah is one of the toughest people I know and the strength she has shown through all of this is truly inspiring,” Julia said. “I am always amazed by how Hannah always seems to find the positive side of things and I always seem to find her with a smile on her face, regardless of the situation. I don’t know anyone quite like Hannah, she is able to fight harder than anyone I know. She has an ability to focus and work hard when it is time, but otherwise keeps things really lighthearted and goofy, making her an amazing teammate and friend who pushes everyone around her but also is able to keep things really fun and loose. Her positivity and determination through all of this has inspired me to make the most of every day, seize every opportunity, be grateful to be a part of this supportive team and family, and to race extra hard for Hannah who is cheering us on back at home.”

“Hannah is such a ray of sunshine,” added Jessie. “She’s kind and hardworking but also has one of the funniest senses of humor I’ve ever seen. She’s a huge part of this team and I’m cheering so hard for her as she heals and begins her comeback!”

With the women’s team experiencing so much success already this season, the hardest part for Hannah and her teammates is not being able to share in the excitement together. 

“That girl has one of the strongest minds I’ve ever seen, and biggest hearts,” Hailey said. “Hannah is an amazing listener, communicator, and a leader not in the sense that she charges ahead and allows you to follow, but in a way that builds others up from the ground and guides them as they grow. I’ve been lucky to learn from Hannah for the past eight years of my life, and will for many years to come! She has inspired me to be a better person and teammate, and taught me how to do just that.”

Hannah’s goal is partial weight-bearing going into early January, then beginning the process of activating her muscles during her time at the COE. While competing at the Minneapolis World Cup on March 17, 2020, was one of her biggest goals this season, she has shifted her focus cheering on her teammates, hopefully in person. 

“It is something I’m considering because it was one of the biggest goals I had for the ski season,” she said. “I would definitely like to be there.”

In the meantime, she is counting her lucky stars and is 100-percent focused on rehabbing, getting back on snow and re-joining her teammates. 

“I think I’d be struggling more if I had falling roller skiing and gotten hurt,” Hannah said, “but half of me is so amazed that I’m alive, I was so close to something so much worse. I was a hair away from being paralyzed, blind or dead. So I’m very thankful. I’m going to be able to ski again.

“I feel more excited and sure about being a skier and making the Olympics,” she continued. “This (accident) has really simplified things for me and put my priorities in line. I’ve realized what matters, doing what you love, with people you love, and that is skiing.”
 

Sugar Bowl Academy Fundraiser

Being named to the U.S. Ski Team is the result of many years of hard work, dedication, and training. These athletes represent the best in their specific sport. Hannah Halvorsen, an SBA alumni from the class of 2016, is a member of the 2019 - 2020 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. Hannah is attending college at Alaska Pacific University and trains at Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center. Being a member of the development team of the U.S. Ski Team can be costly and most athletes reach out to their communities and sponsors to raise money for training and travel costs.

SBSTA is excited to be hosting a fundraiser for Hannah on Saturday, December 28th at 4 p.m. at Village Hall. The fundraiser is free and open to everyone who wishes to meet Hannah and support her passion for being on the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. There will be a silent auction, raffle, and meet and greet. We are looking forward to supporting Hannah on her path to pursuing her cross country skiing dreams.

Come hear Hannah talk about the road to the U.S. Ski Team! Hannah will be providing light refreshments during the family-friendly event.

“After getting hit by a car and losing my ski season, my winter looks drastically different than I planned,” Hannah said. “However, my determination to be the best skier I can is stronger than ever and I still have expenses in order to get on my skis as soon as possible. I welcome everyone to my fundraiser to say hello, bid on my U.S. Ski Team swag and hear about my journey and dreams. If you can’t come to my Fundraiser but want to help support my Olympic goals here is my Paypal, mailing address, and Venmo link.”

PayPal:  https://paypal.me/HannahHalvorsen?locale.x=en_US
Venmo: https://venmo.com/Hannah-Halvorsen
Address:
Hannah Halvorsen
C/O Grace Norgard
12476 Stockholm Way
Truckee, CA 96161

Aerials skiers of the U.S. Ski Team competed in their first events of the season Dec. 20-21 at the Utah Olympic Park NorAm in Park City. Electing not to go to China for the first aerials FIS World Cup Events, the team opted for more on-snow training and the NorAm served as good early season competition experience. 

NorAms are the level of competition below World Cups and are the development pipeline for up and coming aerials athletes to prove themselves. Utah Olympic Park (UOP) provided a great site and the weather proved favorable - no wind for three days made for great jumps from the U.S. Team, U.S. clubs and the Canadian Development Team. “It was great to see lots of young aerialists from both countries doing new tricks and having fun!” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Aerials World Cup and Development Coach Eric Bergoust. 

On Friday Chris Lillis landed in first and Eric Loughran in second. Megan Nick scored the top spot for the women and Winter Vinecki came in second. On Saturday Eric came in first and Alex Bown landed the third spot. On the women’s side Kaila Kuhn came in first, Winter Vinecki earned second and Megan Nick came in third. 

The U.S. Team enters another prep period at the UOP where they will focus on higher degrees of difficulty in their jumps. Their first World Cup is set for January 25, 2020 in Moscow, Russia.

Ryan Cochran-Siegle led the Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team in the parallel giant slalom in Alta Badia, Italy with a 12th place and young River Radamus placed 14th, his best World Cup result so far.

The parallel events are always some of the most entertaining races on the FIS Ski World Cup circuit and this one was no different. Monday’s race took place at night under the lights with a screaming crowd cheering for the .01-second wins and wild recoveries, and groaning at the crashes and upsets. Rasmus Windingstad of Norway grabbed the win over Stefan Luitz of Germany in the big final, while Roland Leitinger of Austria beat out Sunday’s giant slalom winner Henrik Kristoffersen in the small final to take his first World Cup podium in third.

On the U.S. side, Ryan, River and Tommy Ford all qualified for the PGS finals in the last race before Christmas. Tommy was eliminated in the first round by Zan Kranjec of Slovenia, finishing 23rd overall. River and Ryan both made it to the 1/8 final but were beaten out by eventual podium finishers Leitinger and Luitz, respectively.  

This was River’s second time scoring World Cup points, continuing to show that world that he’s one to keep an eye on through the season. “I felt like I’ve been knocking on the door all season and it feels great to get a little breakthrough here,” said River. “This is an awesome event, and I’m psyched to have put a few good runs together under the lights tonight. I’m hungry to keep the momentum rolling into the next races in January.”

Brian McLaughlin and Steven Nyman also started in today's qualifier, but did not qualify for the race. Cochran-Siegle showcased his consistency and speed, taking his eighth point-scoring result of the season out of nine starts so far. 

Next up, the men have a short Christmas break before heading to Bormio, Italy for two downhill races—including the downhill rescheduled from Val Gardena, Italy—and an alpine combined.

RESULTS
Men’s Parallel Giant Slalom

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The first U.S. Rev Tour FIS NorAm stop of the season took place at Copper Mountain Dec. 16-21 and young freeskiers and snowboarders kicked off their season with style. The event kicked off with two days of snowboard halfpipe competition on Dec. 17 and 18. 

U.S. Snowboard Rookie Team member Jack Coyne started the event with a second-place. “I’m super stoked to be here at the Rev Tour,” said Jack. "There’s more camaraderie than any other event I’ve been to and I’m so happy to be here with everybody.” 

Third place finisher Rakai Tait of Australia could not have been more excited for winner Shuichiro Shigeno. “It’s so great to be out here among all the up-and-coming riders,” said Rakai. “I’m stoked for Shuichiro. It was so rad to see his excitement on top of the podium.” 

American Zoe Kalapos finished in second place.  “It was so much fun,” said Zoe. “I was really cold in the morning, but I was really excited to ride," said Zoe. "The pipe was great and the girls were all sending so it turned out to be a really great contest.” 

Men
1. Shuichiro Shigeno (JPN)
2. Jack Coyne (USA)
3. Rakai Tait (AUS)

Women
1. Brooke Dhondt (CAN)
2. Zoe Kalapos (USA)
3. Manon Kaji (JPN)

On day two of snowboard halfpipe, U.S. Snowboard Team member Lucas Foster found his way to the podium. “It was a great couple days of snowboarding,” said Lucas. “ I did some of the best runs that I’ve ever done and that’s all I really care to do. To be on the podium is just icing on the cake. All we ever really want to do is just do our personal best out here.” 

For the women, U.S. Snowboard Rookie Team member Tessa Maud finished in second place.  “It was so much fun,” said Tessa. “All the ladies were killing it as always. Finals were so stacked for both men’s and women’s fields. I’m lucky to be on the team and to have my family, friends, and J.J. (JJ Thomas - U.S. Snowboard Development Team Coach) supporting me!”

Men
1. Kaushi Hirano (JPN)
2. Rakai Tait (AUS)
3. Lucas Foster (USA)

Women
1. Manon Kaji (JPN)
2. Tessa Maud (USA)
3. Takara Tamada (JPN)

Freeski halfpipe competition kicked off on Dec. 20 where Zoe Atkin won day one of freeski competition going back-to-back after also winning the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup at Copper only one week earlier. 

Riley Jacobs earned third place. “It was a really fun day,” said Riley. “We got to go out early and I was excited because it was my first competition of the year after coming back from an injury.  It was really fun trying to get out and throw some tricks I hadn’t done in a while and to see all of these great people." 

For the men, American Aaron Durlester rounded out the men’s podium in third place. 

Men
1. Andrew Longino (CAN)
2. Jon Sallinen (FIN)
3. Aaron Durlester (USA)

Women
1. Zoe Atkin (GBR)
2. Amy Fraser (CAN)
3. Riley Jacobs (USA)

On day two of freeski competition, Zoe extended her winning streak to three. “Everyone killed it these last two days,” said Zoe. “I had such a great time and it was a really great competition.” 

Also, Amy Fraser was ecstatic to be at Copper Mountain. “I’m stoked to come away happy and healthy,” said Amy. “It’s so rad that Copper has their pipe open and running so early in the season and holds these events for us. I’m stoked to be down here skiing in the USA.” 

For the men, Americans Lennon Vaughan and Tristan Feinberg finished in second and third respectively. Andrew Longino won the event for the second day in a row. 

“I’m super-stoked to stand on the podium two days in a row,” said Andrew. “I’ve never gotten to do that. This is actually my first Rev Tour podium in my life so it’s awesome, and after two beautiful days of skiing, I’m super happy to be out here with all my friends at an all-around a great weekend at Copper."

Men
1. Andrew Longino (CAN)
2. Lennon Vaughan (USA)
3. Tristan Feinberg (USA)

Women
1. Zoe Atkin (GBR) 
2. Rachael Anderson (CAN)
3. Amy Fraser (CAN)

The next Rev Tour stop will be at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Feb. 4-9 for slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air competition. 

FULL RESULTS
 

Snowy conditions paired with gusts of wind didn’t deter a high level of competition from snowboarders competing in the halfpipe at China’s Genting Secret Garden with U.S. Snowboard team member Maddie Mastro making her second podium of the season, coming in third alongside Chinese team members Cai Xuetong in second and Jiayu Liu in first. 

"It was a challenging day for me, but I'm always happy to land on the podium," said Maddie. "I wasn't able to put down the run I wanted, but that's okay though. The pipe was really good - there was on and off weather and snow, but that didn't slow down any of the riders. I'm excited for the next contest."

Maddie, who became the first woman to land a double crippler in a competition last season during the U.S. Open, was looking to be the first to land the trick in a World Cup competition, but after two attempts, she scaled back to a single crippler to cinch the third-place spot. 

On the men’s side, Ryan Wachendorfer was the top finisher for the U.S. Snowboard Team coming in sixth followed by Chase Blackwell in ninth. 

Next stop for World Cup halfpipe athletes in the New year will be the Laax Open Jan. 13-18, 2020.

TRICK LIST
Jiayu Liu - switch backside air, Haakonflip 720 mute, frontside 540 stalefish, backside 540 mute, frontside 720 stalefish

Cai Xuetong - fronstside 540 melon, backside 540 mute, air-to-fakie melon, cab 720 stalefish, frontside 900 mute, backside air

Maddie Mastro - backside air, frontside 540 stalefish, backside 540 mute, frontside 720 frontside grab, Haakonflip 720 stalefish, crippler.

RESULTS
Women's Results
Men's Results
 

The men struggled with low visibility and snowy course conditions at the FIS Ski World Cup giant slalom in Alta Badia, Italy, with Ryan Cochran-Siegle and Tommy Ford leading the way for the Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team in 19th and 20th, respectively.

With multiple podiums in Alta Badia under his belt, Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway finally took his first win on the famed Gran Risa. Frenchman Cyprien Sarrazin put down a blazing fast second run and skiing from bib 35 (and 22nd place first run!) to second. Zan Kranjec of Slovenia was third.

After days of heavy snowfall throughout Europe caused a shortened super-G on Friday and canceled Saturday’s downhill in Val Gardena, the men hoped for better conditions in Alta Badia for the tech events. But while the snow had let up slightly overnight, the morning proved a different animal with the men waking up to more dumping snow.

“They were able to inject a little bit last night and it felt like it was going to be pretty good in sections, but it rotted and the snow was pretty crummy,” said Tommy, who recently won the giant slalom in Beaver Creek, Colo. “It was hard to finish turns and keep a clean edge. It was a rattle ride the whole way down both runs.”

It was rough for all the World Cup men, with plenty of DNFs and many not able to maintain their first run results due to course conditions. But Ryan looked at it as a learning experience.

“Personally, I haven’t been skiing a lot of GS. I feel fine about (the result)—not overly enthusiastic, but not too down by any means. Tommy and I both want more and know we can have more, but it takes a bit of executing on race day,” said Ryan. “Moving forward, we’re trying to learn from how we can ski better in these conditions. They are challenging conditions, but also not the norm on the World Cup.”

River Radamus and Brian McLaughlin started, but did not qualify for a second run. Ted Ligety was in the podium-hunt first run, but got a little off-balance over a roller, causing him to miss a gate and DNF.

Next up, the men ski a parallel giant slalom on Monday on the Gran Risa. “It’s always a pleasure to be in Alta Badia, whether it’s in these kinds of conditions or not,” said Tommy good-naturedly. “Now we’re preparing for tomorrow—the parallel event. Should be pretty good!”

RESULTS
Men’s Giant Slalom

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Official event hashtags: #swcaltabadia #granrisa (Alta Badia)

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Sunday, Dec. 22
7:30 p.m. - Men's giant slalom, Alta Badia, ITA - NBCSN (replay)

Monday, Dec. 23
9:00 a.m. - Men’s parallel giant slalom qualifying, Alta Badia, ITA - Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold
12:00 p.m - Men’s parallel giant slalom, Alta Badia, ITA - Olympic Channel, Olympic Channel.com, NBC Sports Gold

*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Note: All televised events to stream across NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app, OlympicChannel.com, and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA app

Exclusive commercial-free coverage will be available for subscribers of the NBC Sports Gold Pass, available here: https://www.nbcsports.com/gold/snow

The Davis U.S. Cross Country Ski Team women’s team of Julia Kern and Sophie Caldwell finished fifth in the team sprint in Planica, Slovenia Sunday. The men’s team of Kevin Bolger and Logan Hanneman finished seventh. 

Qualifying began with similar conditions the athletes faced during Saturday’s individual sprint - rain and wet snow surfaces. But by the time the finals were underway, the rain had changed to heavy wet snow, which resulted in challenging conditions and significantly slower lap times.

The FIS Cross Country World Cup season continues with the first event of the 14th edition of the FIS Cross-Country Tour de Ski, a 10k freestyle mass start for the women, and a 15k freestyle mass start for the men Saturday, Dec. 28 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

RESULTS
Women’s freestyle team sprint
Men’s freestyle team sprint