Ski Press Releases and News Flashes

Squaw Valley, CA (Jan. 20, 2001) - Shaun Palmer had the Red Bull Ultra-Cross 2001 title until he crashed just 10 feet from the finish. Chris Davenport surpassed him taking the Red Bull Ultra-Cross Title for 2001. Davenport and his partner and childhood friend not only earned the prestigious Red Bull Ultra-Cross Champion title, but also walked away with $10,000.

"To win is great but to win against the best field ever, with the depth of riders who came out, is amazing," said Davenport. "This is one the best victories for me ever."

Additionally, local girl Katie Shackelford from Squaw Valley took the women's title for Red Bull Ultra-Cross 2001. Shackelford experienced her first Skier-Cross event just two days prior to this event. Shackelford, and her teammate Line Oestvold, won $5,500 and the renowned Red Bull Ultra-Cross title.

"This whole week has been a whirlwind of excitement and today marks the best day in my life," said Shackelford.

The final thrill came when 30 athletes launched "big air" off a 40-foot jump, in an effort to win $1,000. With one attempt each, and a packed audience, Squaw Valley's Shane McConkey threw a Crossed-up Branny and walked away with the cash purse.

Red Bull Ultra-Cross 2001, in its fourth year, hosted over 4,000 spectators and the "best of the best" in snow sport athletes. Held at Squaw Valley USA, home to numerous world-renowned extreme riders and skiers, this competition involves skiers and snowboarders in a relay-style race with one racer from each discipline making up the entire team (no coed teams). This weekend over two hundred competitors came out for perfect weather, a vicious course, a $30,000 cash purse and the prestigious Red Bull Ultra-Cross title.

For those not familiar with this event, each team was made up of one snowboarder and one skier. Four snowboarders started the race (each on a different team) and rode down a challenging moto-cross style course made up of steep bank turns, table-tops, big rollers and intimidating gap-jumps. Once the snowboarder crossed the finish line, their teammate (a skier) was released onto the course by an automatic start gate. The two teams who finished first in their heat advanced to the next round. The competition continued by process of elimination until Davenport and Evans won the coveted Red Bull Ultra-Cross title.

Additional free-ride legends making an appearance at the two-day event included: 1998 Olympic snowboarder Adam Hostetter and 2000 Boarder-cross champion at the Winter X Games Drew Neilson. Last year's winners Shaun Palmer, Brittney Mahanna, Charlotte Moats and Megan Brown all strutted their stuff on the course as well.

The Red Bull Ultra-Cross, managed by Global Event Management, organizers of the Winter X-Games (free-skiing), will be nationally televised on USA Network "Core Culture."

Men's Ultracross
1st place: Team Throttle - Jason Evans & Chris Davenport
2nd place: Northwest Speed Freaks - Mark Schultz & Reggie Crist
3rd place: Killers - Mathieu Monency & Thomas Rinfret
4th place: Frog-Tahoe - Xavier De le Rue & Shaun Palmer
5th place: Team 27 - Brandon Stieg & Eric Archer
6th place: Red Dog Bar & Grill - Nate Holland & Bill Hudson
7th place: Northern Lighting - Tor Bruderund & Ernst Thue
8th place: Purse Prize Pursuers - Lucas Dehmlow & Randy Flood

Women's Ultracross
1st place: Bad Ass Chicks - Line Oestvold & Katie Shackelford
2nd place: Charlie Cues - Mayumi Fukada & Carolyn "Curly" Skyler
3rd place: No Bull - Snow Peterson & Noel Lyons
4th place: Concussion - Rosemarie Dittfach & Pip Simmonds
5th place: Arc's Angels - Brittney Mahanna & Megan Brown
6th place: Boundless Bombshells - Sarah Myers & Meredith Kenny
7th place: Hard Corps Twin Towers - Darian & Machaela Boyle
8th place: Jaffa - Marguerite Cossetti & Jessica Sobolowski

RAHLVES PODIUMS AT HAHNENKAMM DOWNHILL

Kitzbuehel, Austria (Jan. 20, 2001) - Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) broke up a second Austrian podium sweep Saturday as he tied for third with Stephan Eberharter in the 61st annual Hahnenkamm World Cup downhill race. Austrian Hermann Maier won for the second straight day.

Maier, who also won Friday’s super G on the legendary course, was unstoppable yet again, taking the victory in 1:56.84. Teammate Hannes Trinkl was second in 1:57.11, while Rahlves and Eberharter each posted a time of 1:57.46, .62 off Maier’s pace. Norwegian Lasse Kjus was fifth (1:57.70) and Austrian Christian Greber was sixth (1:57.97).

It was Rahlves’ best finish of the season and his first World Cup podium since winning back-to-back downhills in Kvitfjell, Norway March 3-4 of last season. He came into Saturday’s race with optimism and confidence as he was the top American finisher Friday, taking fourth in the super G.

“It was the best ride ever,” said Rahlves. “I just went out there and pushed myself. I used every ounce of energy I had and was fighting the whole way. I tried to be as clean as I could and as fast as I could.”

The podium finish was just the second ever earned by an American at the Kitzbuehel downhill. A.J. Kitt was second in January of 1992 while wearing bib number 13. Rahlves chose to start 13th Saturday for that reason.

American skiers have now posted six podium finishes on the World Cup tour this season.

Rahlves posted a solid run from top to bottom on the steep course, which features several huge jumps that launch competitors skyward. Before crossing the finish line, racers are tested on a super steep pitch that ends with a final jump, one that caused big problems during the super G. Just 31 of 61 starters finished without crashing or being disqualified Friday.

“Out of the start, I just wanted to be strong and smooth,” said Rahlves. “It got a little slow, so I wasn’t sure what I was going to do in the middle (section), but I was pretty fast on the bottom. I had a high line and just let it rip out here. I did something right today, I guess.”

Chad Fleischer (Vail, CO), who had a fifth place finish in the season’s opening downhill at Lake Louise, Alberta, placed 12th Saturday with a time of 1:58.74. He came out of the 24th start spot and was in ninth after crossing the finish line. Fleischer’s finish was welcome after he was disqualified in the super G for missing a gate. He also crashed twice in training Thursday on the bottom section of the course.

Also finishing in the top-30 and receiving World Cup points was Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), who placed 30th with a time of 2:00.04. Like Fleischer, the finish was also a confidence boost as he crashed Friday and burned holes through his speed suit while sliding down the icy course.

“It was tough running,” said Miller, who started out of the 53rd spot. “I don’t know if even the best guys could have popped (a top finish) from back there.”

All five of the U.S. skiers finished the race as Jakub Fiala (Breckenridge, CO) was 35th (2:00.45) and Casey Puckett (Aspen, CO) was 37th (2:00.68).

Seven Austrians could be found among the top 10 finishers Saturday. At last season’s downhill, Austrians occupied eight of the top 10 spots with Fritz Strobl on the top of the podium. Strobl faltered a bit Saturday and finished eighth in 1:58.17.

With Rahlves on the podium, he broke up the Austrian’s bid for a second straight podium sweep. In Friday’s super G, Maier was first, Josef Strobl was second and Werner Franz took third.

Maier continues to lead the World Cup overall standings with 993 points. Switzerland's Michael Von Gruenigen is second with 612 and Kjus is third with 544. Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT) is the top American, in 14th with 270 points. Rahlves is 11th in the downhill standings with 104 points through five races.

The cloud cover was more prevalent Saturday, which threw some flat light onto sections of the course. However, temperatures were unseasonably warm and the thousands of fans had no problem enjoying themselves, especially since they had to brave a winter storm during the Hahnenkamm last season.

The Kitzbuehel World Cup concludes Sunday with a slalom, which couples with the downhill as a combined event. Rahlves, Miller and Puckett will compete for the combined, while Schlopy and Sacha Gros (Vail, CO) will also race.

“I’ve been skiing slalom really fast,” said Miller, an all-around skier. “I could be right in there.”

1. Hermann Maier (Austria), 1:56.84
2. Hannes Trinkl (Austria), 1:57.11
3. Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, Calif.), Stephan Eberharter (Austria); 1:57.46
5. Lasse Kjus (Norway), 1:57.70
6. Christian Greber (Austria), 1:57.97
7. Werner Franz (Austria), 1:58.08
8. Fritz Strobl (Austria), 1:58.17
9. Michael Walchhofer (Austria), 1:58.37
10. Silvano Beltrametti (Switzerland), 1:58.53
11. Peter Rzehak (Austria), 1:58.54
12. Chad Fleischer (Vail, Colo.), 1:58.74
13. Darin McBeath (Canada), 1:59.03
14. Didier Cuche (Switzerland), 1:59.06
15. Franco Cavegn (Switzerland), 1:59.18
16. Kjetil Andre Aamodt (Norway), 1:59.20
17. Didier Defago (Switzerland), 1:59.27
18. Alessandro Fattori (Italy), 1:59.31
19. Kenneth Sivertsen (Norway), Roland Fischnaller (Italy), 1:59.34
21. Bruno Kernen (Switzerland), 1:59.55
22. Lorenzo Galli (Italy), 1:59.73
23. Luke Sauder (Canada), 1:59.80
24. Marco Buechel (Lichtenstein), 1:59.82
25. Rolf Von Weissenfluh (Switzerland), 1:59.85
26. Kurt Sulzenbacher (Italy), 1:59.86
27. Juergen Hasler (Lichtenstein), 1:59.98
28. Christoph Gruber (Austria), 2:00.01
29. Peter Pen (Slovenia), 2:00.02
30. Bode Miller (Franconia, New Hampshire), 2:00.04
--
35. Jakub Fiala (Breckenridge, Colo.), 2:00.45
37. Casey Puckett (Aspen, Colo.), 2:00.68

CAVAGNOUD WINS CORTINA SG

Cortina, Italy (Jan. 20, 2001) - Regine Cavagnoud of France won the World Cup super G Saturday in Cortina with Megan Gerety (Anchorage, AK) 24th as American women filled five straight places in the 20s. Rookie Julia Mancuso (Tahoe City, CA) scored her first World Cup points in 27th place.

Cavagnoud was timed in an unofficial 1:26.85 with Canadian Melanie Turgeon in second place at 1:27.10. Defending World Cup champion Renate Goetschl of Austria was third in 1:27.17 and reclaimed the World Cup overall lead from Janica Kostelic of Croatia, who tied for ninth.

Rounding out the top five: Alexandra Meissnitzer of Austria in fourth place (1:27.66) and Slovenian Mojca Suhadolc fifth (1:27.71).

Gerety was 24th with a time of 1:28.91 followed by Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) 25th in 1:28.93, Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) 26th in 1:28.96, Mancuso 27th in 1:28.98, and Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) 28th in 1:29.01. Picabo Street (Park City, UT), starting next to last, was 45th in 1:30.27.

"There was some flat light, but it was a good course. Still, super G remains our weakest event," said U.S. Coach Marjan Cernigoj, "but not from a lack of effort. They were attacking but they made mistakes and it cost them. Julia scored her first points, so there was a little bright light there."

The visit to Cortina ends Sunday with a giant slalom. Racing for the U.S. will be Lalive, Clark, Mancuso, Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN) and Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO).

PACK: AERIALS BRONZE AT WORLDS

Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada (Jan. 20, 2001) - Aerialist Joe Pack (Park City, UT) overcame dreadful weather conditions Saturday to grab the first medal of the 2001 World Freestyle Ski Championships for the U.S. Ski Team, earning the bronze medal behind two Belarussians. Aerials Coach Matt Christensen awarded a mythical gold medal in team unity to the moguls troupe for helping clear the in-runs and side-slip the landing hill during a continuing storm.

Pack, who was bronze medalist at the '99 World Championships in Switzerland when Eric Bergoust (Missoula, MT) won the gold medal, overcame a bobble on his first landing to reach the podium, much to the delight of his family, which was in the crowd. Alexei Grichin took the gold at Blackcomb Ski Area with 226.46 points with teammate Dmitri Dashinski silver medalist (225.90) while Pack had the highest scoring jump of the second round and finished at 221.50.

In the women's contest, Canadian Veronika Bauer won with 184.41 points to 172.59 for Swiss skier Michelle Rohrbach who just edged Deidra Dionne, who had just joined Canada's World Cup group a year ago; Dionne took the bronze (172.53). Kelly Hillman (Tonawanda, NY), the only U.S. woman in finals, was fifth at 157.82.

"It was a crazy day out there," Pack said. "The conditions changed so much, it was actually quite dangerous." For the second day in a row, wet snow hit the mountain and low clouds added to the tricky conditions.

He added, "I was watching everyone and they looked a little slow, even the guys that landed had to tuck their last flip. I just took more speed than I should have and knew I was going to have to stretch one out and put it to my feet."

Several athletes crashed in the messy conditions. World Cup champion Nicolas Fontaine of Canada landed on his back on one bad crash and Belrussian Dmitri Rak was knocked out for several minutes in another. The conditions convinced some athletes to back down on their expected jumps in the interest of landing safely.

"We probably should've backed down a bit on our DD [degree of difficulty], but we're training for the Olympics and our guys were going for it," Christensen said. "Nobody backed down at all. Everyone was going for the win, regardless of such lousy weather. And we were so close...and if we're this close on the worst day of the season, we have to in good shape next year at the Olympics."

He added, "The snow got heavier and heavier. We had Alan Ashley [USSA VP-Athletics] slipping the hill, the whole moguls team came out and, man, I'm so proud of all these athletes working to help the aerials team. It was such a great bonding thing...it's gotta help everyone."

There was no discussion about postponing the aerials competition, perhaps until Monday - a scheduled open day, Christensen said. "The weather's not supposed to get much better, so they decided to go with it and get it in as quickly as possible. It's not going to be any fun tomorrow for the dual moguls, either...not at all."

The World Championships end Sunday with dual moguls and the World Cup community heads to Sunday River, Maine, for action next weekend.

WORLD FREESTYLE SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Blackcomb, BC - Jan. 20
Aerials (12 made finals)
Men
1. Alexei Grichin, Belarus, 228.46 points
2. Dmitri Dashinski, Belarus, 225.90
3. Joe Pack, Park City, Utah, 221.50
4. Eric Bergoust, Missoula, Mont., 219.38
5. Corey Hacker, Boston, N.Y., 201.53
6. Jerry Grossi, Park City, Utah, 195.13
7. Steve Omischl, Canada, 192.68
8. Jeff Bean, Canada, 190.90
9. Xiatao Ou, China, 190.38
10. Dmitri Rak, Belarus, 149.40
11. Brian Currutt, Park City, Utah, 135.72
12. Nicolas Fontaine, Canada, 80.32

Women
1. Veronika Bauer, Canada, 184.41
2. Michelle Rohrbach, Switzerland, 172.59
3. Deidra Dionne, Canada, 172.53
4. Evelyne Leu, Switzerland, 169.56
5. Kelly Hilliman, Tonawanda, N.Y., 157.82
6. Jacqui Cooper, Australia, 155.67
7. Nannan Xu, China, 137.62
8. Liselotte Johansson, Sweden, 134.39
9. Jiao Wang, China, 121.43
10. Natalia Orekhova, Russia, 121.05
11. Alla Tsuper, Belarus, 121.05
12. Alisa Camplin, Australia, 65.49

SECOND DOWNHILL ADDED TO SNOWBASIN

Park City, UT (Jan. 19, 2001) - U.S. Ski and Snowboard (USSA) and International Ski Federation officials Friday reached agreement to add a second downhill to the already-scheduled World Cup at Snowbasin in February. USSA and Salt Lake Organizing Committee officials announced that the second downhill would take place on Friday, Feb. 23 at Snowbasin. The additional downhill was a replacement for the World Cup downhill canceled at Wengen, Switzerland on Sat., Jan. 13.

“We’re excited to add a second downhill to give our athletes yet another opportunity on what we believe will truly be one of the greatest downhill courses on the World Cup,” said USSA Vice President of Athletics Alan Ashley, who is attending the World Freestyle Ski Championships in Canada.

Rescheduling of canceled races is a normal procedure on the World Cup. The FIS will formally announce the schedule change Saturday in Switzerland, according to Men’s World Cup Director Gunther Hujara, who was in Kitzbuehel, Austria.

USSA and SLOC officials made the announcement at the Visa US Nordic Ski Festival in Park City.

"From an organizing committee perspective, this is OK for us as we already had planned on downhill training that day," said SLOC Alpine Sport Director Herwig Demschar.

"For the same reasons, this won't be a problem for our athletes who will be very excited to have another downhill opportunity on Grizzly," said US Ski Team spokesperson Tom Kelly.

The revised schedule for Snowbasin will be:
Wed. Feb. 21 - Downhill Training
Thu. Feb. 22 - Downhill training
Fri. Feb. 23 - Men’s World Cup Downhill (replacement from Wengen)
Sat. Feb. 24 - Men’s World Cup Downhill
Sun. Feb. 25 - Men’s World Cup Super G

GERETY 5th AT CORTINA DOWNHILL

Cortina, Italy (Jan. 19, 2001) - It was a day for U.S. veterans Megan Gerety (Anchorage, AK) and Picabo Street (Park City, UT) to lead their younger teammates Saturday in a World Cup downhill in Cortina. Italy's Isolde Kostner won by .02 over Austrian Renate Goetschl while Gerety was fifth and Street - in her best result since leg injuries nearly three years ago - stormed out of 50th start to finish 15th.

Kostner, who collected her fourth victory in Cortina - but her first in three seasons - finished in 1:32.79 to nip Goetschl, the defending World Cup champion who started just in front of her on the 1956 Olympic DH run. Third place went to Regine Cavagnoud of France (1:32.95) with Canadian Melanie Turgeon in fourth (1:33.29).

For a few moments, the lead changed by a whisker with each skier as all the top four started at the back of the first seed - Kostner No. 30, Goetschl 29th, Cavagnoud 28th and Turgeon 24th.

Gerety, starting sixth, was fifth for the fourth time in her career, this time in 1:33.62. Street, attacking from the start on a hill where she picked up her first World Cup top-10 in 1993 and has won twice, was 15th in 1:34.43.

"This was a day you had to put your head down and go," said women's DH/SG Head Coach Jim Tracy. "Megan, starting that early, did an awesome job...just awesome. I'm pretty stoked about the way she skied."

Street - who has struggled since coming back last month with a 24th-place finish in Val d'Isere, France - diced it up and gave coaches something to ponder as they get set to name the U.S. team for the World Championships Monday. The championships open Jan. 28 in St. Anton, Austria.

All five U.S. racers scored points with Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) and Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) tied for 19th, each in 1:34.59, and Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) was tied for 23rd in 1:34.98.

"It was another step for Peek. I'm pretty pleased...and they all did a good job," Tracy said. "Picabo made a couple of mistakes, but she was at it right away and skied the top and bottom very well. Her technique is still coming, but she definitely did better, which is always good. It's more confidence for her."

The women race a super G Saturday and have a Sunday slalom, which - with Friday's DH - is the back end of the second combined tally of the winter.

RAHLVES 4th AS AUSTRIANS SWEEP PODIUM AT KITZ SG

Kitzbuehel, Austria (Jan. 19, 2001) - It was an all-Austrian podium Friday as Hermann Maier kicked off the 61st annual Hahnenkamm World Cup weekend by winning the super G on the legendary Austrian course. Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) finished fourth, leading four U.S. skiers into the top-30.

Maier took the win with a time of 1:21.72, almost a second faster than teammate Josef Strobl, who finished second in 1:22.67. Austrian Werner Franz rounded out the podium in third, recording a 1:22.89. Rahlves was fourth in 1:23.10 and Austrian Hannes Trinkl was fifth in 1:23.34.

It was the second straight victory for Maier at the Kitzbuehel super G. The win was the 15th of his super G career and second this season as he also won at Lake Louise, Alberta.

“It was simply brilliant,” said the ‘Herminator’. “I am amazed about my own race, especially in the difficult lower part. Hopefully tomorrow (in the downhill), I can make the same speed as today.”

It was Rahlves’ first top-5 finish of the season, a huge confidence boost after starting this year off slowly. He finished the ’00 season off strong with back-to-back downhill wins in Kvitfjell, Norway, but skied out during the super G and was 16th in the downhill in early December this year at Beaver Creek, Colo.

Rahlves posted three solid days of training this week on the Hahnenkamm, finishing fourth Tuesday, eighth Wednesday and 10th Thursday.

Rahlves matched his previous best super G finish as he was fourth in a ’95 race in Kvitfjell.

After Rahlves, three other of the U.S. Team’s six starters finished in the top-30; Casey Puckett (Aspen, CO) was 16th (1:25.12), Jakub Fiala (Breckenridge, CO) placed 26th (1:26.56) and Thomas Vonn (Newburgh, NY) was 28th (1:26.77).

Vonn’s finish was especially sweet for him as he was racing in just his second career World Cup super G. Not only that, but throw in the fact that Thursday’s training session was the first time Vonn had ever put skis down on the Hahnenkamm course. He came out of the 55th start spot of 61 that were originally on the start list.

“I tried to scare myself (in training) so I knew what it would be like in the race,” said Vonn, who won a Chevy Truck Super Series super G and a giant slalom at Beaver Creek, Colo. in early December. “It was pretty scary. It’s definitely an eye opener. I had a lot of fun.”

Fiala matched his previous best World Cup result with the 26th place finish. He was 26th in a ’99 downhill in Wengen, Switzerland. Friday’s finish was his best super G result, topping his 29th place showing last season in Kitzbuehel.

Chad Fleischer (Vail, CO) was disqualified for missing a gate near the bottom of the course and Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) crashed coming off of a jump. Miller, who started 50th, slid a lengthy way down the rock solid course, causing the right side of his speed suit to partly burn off.

“It’s a tough hill,” said U.S. speed coach Dale Stephens. “I mean, it’s very hard snow, there’s a lot of sidehill, it’s rough in places, it’s fast. It’s fairly narrow and there’s just a lot of places where it catches up to guys.”

Stephens was pleased with the Team’s performance on what is generally considered the toughest hill in the world. In fact, just 31 competitors crossed the finish line without crashing or receiving a disqualification.

“It was tough, but, I think, generally a good performance,” continued Stephens. “It was a pretty successful day. I think it should be a boost for all of the guys going into tomorrow. They’ve got some points and they can probably be a little bit more aggressive tomorrow going in with some confidence.”

The downhill race takes place Saturday on the Hahnenkahm, with Fiala, Fleischer, Miller, Puckett and Rahlves competing. The weekend concludes Sunday with a slalom race.

RONKAINEN, TRAA WIN MOGULS

Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada (Jan. 19, 2001) - Mikko Ronkainen of Finland easily succeeded countryman Janne Lahtela as world moguls champion Friday and Norway's Kari Traa captured the women's gold medal despite nasty weather at the World Championships at Blackcomb Ski Area. Evan Dybvig (Tunbridge, VT) had the top U.S. result, finishing sixth in the men's contest.

Snow fell and fog embraced parts of the course as the women competed, but sunshine arrived by the time the 16-skier men's field went. The course, already the steepest on the World Cup tour, became even more slick, causing a surpring number of crashes.

Ronkainen received 28.07 points to 26.64 for Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau of Canada with Stephane Rochon, another Canadian, taking the bronze medal (26.25). Lahtela, who has won the last two World Cup titles in addition to the '99 world championship, struggled at the start of his run and had more problems at the bottom, finishing 15th.

Dybvig, who injured his knee in the qualifying Wednesday but made a spectacular save on his first air when he rotated off-axis on a '720' (double rotation), had 25.74 points. Toby Dawson (Vail, CO) was eighth, Alex Wilson (Buffalo, NY) 10th and Garth Hager (Bothell, WA) 12th.

Dybvig skipped training Thursday and said, "I wasn't sire I was even going to be able to compete today. I'm psyched. I was able to go out and do a '720', land it, ski my run and be the top American...

"I'm not sure what happened between training and finals. It suddenly got a lot slicker and a lot more scraped off. You saw Hannah Hardaway crash on the top, Janne Lahtela had trouble on top and crashed on the bottom...so something was definitely a little funky."

With 25.89 points, Traa was almost a full point ahead of silver medal-winner Maria Despas of Australia (24.94). Aiuko Uemura of Japan was third with 24.87. Bahrke had 23.67 points, Jillian Vogtli (Ellicotville, NY) was ninth at 23.56 and Hardaway was 14th (16.81). Defending champion Ann Battelle (Steamboat Springs, CO), making her first start of the season after injuring her left rotator cuff in preseason training, was 17th.

Coach Don St. Pierre said he felt his skiers "delivered some great skiing" but the judges didn't see it that way. He felt Battelle, who had the misfortune to ski first, should have been top-5 in the qualifying round and Wilson was under-scored in the finals. Next year, he said, the Olympics will have a different format: instead of holding the qualifying round and then have two nights to sleep on the situation, the Olympics - copying the World Cup format - will telescope everything into qualifications in the morning and finals in the afternoon.

"You kind of get into a rhythm. You have your qualification run," he said, "and you get pumped and - bang! - there's your run. You don't have these two nights to sleep on it."

At the same time, St. Pierre conceded there was a bittersweet moment during the day. Despas is his wife - they met when he coached in Australia in the early '90s - and her silver medal is her first podium in a World Cup, Worlds or Olympics.

The championships continue Saturday with aerials and conclude Sunday with dual moguls. "That's the next attack and I think there;s going to be a little hunger," St. Pierre said. "We should see some good grudge matches."

WORLD FREESTYLE SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Blackcomb, B.C. - Jan. 19
Moguls (16 made finals)

MEN
1. Mikko Ronkainen, Finland, 28.01
2. Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau, Canada, 26.64
3. Stephane Rochon, Canada, 26.25
4. Richard Gay, France, 25.98
5. Gregory Lecaillon, France, 25.79
6. Evan Dybvig, Tunbridge, Vt., 25.74
7. Jari Savolainen, Finland, 25.65
8. Toby Dawson, Vail, CO, 25.61
9. Cedric Regnier-Lafforgue, France,25.52
10. Alex Wilson, Buffalo, N.Y., 25.46
11. Adrian Costa, Australia, 24.86(3)
12. Garth Hager, Bothell, Wash., 24.86(2)
13. Vitali Glushenko, Russia, 23.63
14. Teppei Noda, Japan, 23.55
15. Janne Lahtela, Finland,14.97
16. Ryan Johnson, Canada, 0.70

WOMEN
1. Kari Traa, Norway, 25.89
2. Maria Despas, Australia, 24.94
3. Aiko Uemura, Japan, 24.87
4. Corinne Bodmer, Switzerland, 24.48
5. Sandra Laoura, France, 24.38
6. Minna Karhu, Finland, 24.02
7. Jennifer Heil, Canada, 23.97
8. Shannon Bahrke, Tahoe City, Calif., 23.67
9. Jillian Vogtli, Park City, Utah, 23.56
10. Tae Satoya, Japan, 23.46
11. Marina Cherkasova, Russia, 22.75
12. Tami Bradley, Canada, 22.66
13. Olga Lazarenko, Russia, 22.31
14. Hannah Hardaway, Moultonborough, N.H., 16.81
15. Sara Kjellin, Sweden, 15.32
16. Margarita Marbler, Austria, 13.49
-
17. Ann Battelle, Steamboat Springs, Colo.

15 PODIUMS FOR U.S. DISABLED IN SWITZERLAND

Obersaxon, Switzerland (Jan. 19, 2001) - The U.S. Disabled Ski Team picked up 15 podium finishes over four days of competition at the season's second World Cup event in Obersaxon.

The World Cup consisted of a pair of downhills and two super G races. Americans accounted for 15 total podium appearances; two of them wins, eight of them second place finishes and five thirds.

Sit-skier Sarah Will (Vail, CO) collected both of the U.S. victories, winning both super G races, the first on Jan. 18 and the second on the 19th. Stand-up skier Mary Riddell (Dove Creek, CO) finished on the podium in every race, taking three seconds (downhill, two super Gs) and a third (downhill). Sit-skier Muffy Davis (Ann Arbor, MI) was second in the Jan. 17 downhill and second in both super G events. Standing skier Csilla Kristof (Las Vegas) placed third in both super Gs.

On the men's side, sit-skier Chris Waddell (Park City, UT) and stand-up skier Jason Lalla (Bradford, NH) both went home with two podiums each. Waddell was second in the final super G and third in the Jan. 17 downhill. Lalla was second in the last super G and third in the first super G.

The Disabled World Cup comes to the U.S. as Snowbasin, Utah hosts races from Feb. 26-March 6.

BYRNES WINS ITALIAN HALFPIPE

Kronplatz, Italy (Jan. 18, 2001) - Tricia Byrnes (New Canaan, CT) made it two wins in a row for U.S. snowboarders, winning a FIS World Cup halfpipe Thursday in Kronplatz, Italy. It was the first win of the year for the defending FIS World Champion, coming on the eve of the World Snowboard Championships which begin Monday in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. American Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) won the men's parallel giant slalom a day earlier.

Scandinavian riders dominated the mens' contest with Espen Arvesen from Norway taking the win in heavy fog and snow.

Byrnes claimed the win in and her second motorcycle, this time a Ducati (the other coming in her World Cup finals win in Kronplatz two years ago, that time a Harley). The win also brought the U.S. closer to its goal of a maximum national quota of four riders for the Olympics.

"I’m too scared to ride a motorcycle," she laughed. "I was getting to the finals thinking that I just wanted to keep it big and clean. I’m totally psyched that I won and even landed my tricks because all morning and yesterday.

"I have been struggeling super high to get anything done. It’s just nice to pull through when it counts."

Reigning Junior World Champion Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT) took third ahead of Japanes rider Michiyo Hashimoto. "When it was snowing in the morning I just thought the pipe is going to be terrible and for the first few runs it wasn’t that great but it really improved a lot," said Clark. "They did a good job in getting the snow out of the pipe so it was pretty good."

Natasza Zurek from Canada who crashed in the first run and then had a nice second run went in second place and had fun racing today. "The pipe got so much better since yesterday and the weather improved too," she explained. "Tthe shape went a lot better. In the first run I was too nervous which I didn’t want to be but I just couldn’t make myself come down. In the second run I was not caring anymore, just went to ride, wasn’t feeling nervous and that helped a lot. I never got such a high result this year so I’m really happy."

Norwegian rider Stine Brun Kjeldaas, who won all previous contests this season, was not at the start today but is further leading the standings. Hashimoto sits in second place ahead of Anna Olofsson from Sweden who finished ninth place today.

Arvesen had failed to make it to the finals in the first qualification but claimed the highest score in the second. In the finals he had a perfect first run, collecting the maximum score for amplitude, took the lead and non of his rivals was able to make it up also in the second final run.

"I was planning for more technical tricks in my second run," Arvesen said, "I had something in mind like a 1080 – I don’t think so many people do that trick – but I just went with the same run because I got really high airs there and thought that I could maybe get some more points. I have been in that situation before when I had a high score, started to think about the win and then someone just took it away from me so I was not feeling too safe. I really need that score – I haven’t been riding so good in FIS this year so I’m stoked. We got all the Norwegian top four so we are a happy team going home now."

Like Byrnes, Arvesen will also take a Ducati Monster Dark motorcycle home: "I’ve been thinking about buying one for a long time and now I get one so I’m just happy for both the win and the motorcycle."

Daniel Franck of Norway finished in second place. Sitting in second position after the first run he looked as if he wanted to turn the card in the second but failed with crashing right before the finish line.

"I was trying to go as fast as possible in the second run to get the amplitude," he said, bbecause I think that was what the judges were looking for. It was hard to ride in this pipe. All that handmade snow with new snow on top of it made it pretty slow – it was hard to do technical tricks like spins and flips so it was more about the amplitude. However, people’s mind changes when the weather changes and once it gets better they become more happy and comfortable – I think that’s why it went better towards the end."

Sweden’s Magnis Sterner was the only one to break the Norwegian dominance with finishing third ahead of Kim Christiansen. Sterner continues to lead the standings ahead of his teammate Stefan Karlsson who went in sixth today, and Franck.

THREE WIN X-GAMES INVITATIONS

Squaw Valley, CA (Jan. 17, 2001) - Misty 7s, d-spins, lincoln mutes, double twisters, double flips and cork 7s were only a few of the jumps performed in the big air competition at the Paul Mitchell X-Qualifier. The competition was fierce as seventy-five competitors (most under the age of 20) took to the air trying to huck their way into one of the top three coveted qualifying spots.

In the end, Tanner Hall flipped and twisted his way victory for the second year in a row with multiple clean jumps and smooth landings ensuring another chance at X-Games glory. Each athlete received two jumps with the best combined score used to determine the top ten. These ten then received two additional jumps with their best score (of the final two jumps) used to determine the winner.

The Squaw Valley event is the only official big air qualifier for the 2001 Winter X-Games in Mt. Snow, VT.

1 Tanner Hall, Kalispell, MT
2 Adam Schrab, Slinger, WI
3 Jon Turkula, Salt Lake City, UT
4 Steele Spence, Snowmass, CO
5 Heath Ordway, Hartford, WI

FREESTYLE WORLDS SET IN BLACKCOMB

Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada (Jan. 17, 2001) - The 2001 World Freestyle Ski Championships return to North America for the first time since 1991 as they open today at Blackcomb Ski Area with the qualifying round for moguls. Defending world champion Ann Battelle (Steamboat Springs, CO) will be making her first start after a late preseason shoulder injury.

Head Coach Jeff Wintersteen reduced U.S. expectations to the basics: "We want to win," he said Tuesday night after the final team leaders' meeting. "Ann's 100 percent healthy. She went to Mount Tremblant last weekend and skied the course, but decided not to compete. She's 100 percent, though, and she's a big event performer, so we're looking for the best."

Battelle's gold medal in the 1999 World Championships means the U.S. Ski Team gets an extra spot in the women's event. Competing for the U.S. along with Battelle will be Hannah Hardaway (Moultonborough, NH), who won the Gateway Freestyle Challenge Jan. 7 on the 2002 Olympic venue at Utah's Deer Valley resort; Shannon Bahrke (Tahoe City, CA), Jillian Vogtli (Ellicotville, NY), and Donna Weinbrecht (Killington, VT). In duals, it's expected to be Battelle (bronze medalist in '99), Vogtli, Bahrke and Hardaway.

Competing in the men's moguls will be Evan Dybvig (Tunbridge, VT), who has been second in the last two World Cup events; Garth Hager (Bothell, WA), Toby Dawson (Vail, CO), and Alex Wilson (Buffalo, NY). In dual moguls, Dybvig will rest his aching knees and be replaced by Dawson with Ryan Riley (Steamboat Springs, CO) joining the group.

In aerials, reigning world champ Eric Bergoust (Missoula, MT) will be joined by three Park City, Utah, skiers - World Cup leader Joe Pack (bronze medalist in '99), Brian Currutt and Jerry Grossi - plus Corey Hacker (Boston, NY). Emily Cook (Belmont, MA), who was third in the Gateway World Cup at Deer Valley, will be joined by Tracy Evans (Park City), Brenda Petzold (Andover, MA) and Kelly Hilliman (Tonawanda, NY).

The schedule:
Wednesday - moguls qualifier
Thursday - aerials qualifier
Friday - moguls
Saturday - aerials
Sunday - dual moguls

"We've shown in the World Cups this season we can take the top spot, we can be on the podium...and we want to carry that into the World Championships. We have that ability," Wintersteen said. "We also want to look forward to next season [and the 2002 Olympics]; this is one big step along that way."

The last time the freestyle World Championships were held in North America was 1991 in Lake Placid, N.Y., (when Wintersteen competed in ballet, finishing ninth). U.S. skiers won six medals, including three gold medals.

CHOJNACKI RETIRES FROM WORLD CUP

Park City, UT (Jan. 17, 2001) - Aerialist Matt Chojnacki (Aurora, CO), a 1998 Olympian and former U.S. champion, has decided to retire from World Cup competition, the U.S. Ski Team said Monday. He won the last event he competed in, completing a rare triple-quad - three twists and four flips - in the aerials meet at the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Grand Prix at Winter Park, Colo.

"That just made it perfect - winning my final event at the area where I got started," Chojnacki said.

Chojnacki had been a recreational alpine skier before becoming interested in freestyle after watching aerials on television when it was a demonstration event at the 1988 Olympics. He was a member of the U.S. Ski Team for the past six seasons and had six World Cup top-3s, including a victory at Piancavallo, Italy, during the 1997 season. In addition to the 1998 Olympics, he competed in three World Championships.

"Matt's probably done more different types of aerial trick than anyone," said aerials Head Coach Matt Christensen, who competed against Chojnacki earlier in his own career. "Most athletes have 20 or 30 jumps; Matt's probably got 75 or 80. I've learned a lot from him. He's always been testing boundaries, trying to push and push back what someone can do, and I think everyone respects his enthusiasm for what he's doing. He has no fear."

A student at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Chojnacki is aiming for a career in aeronautics.

FREESTYLE AERIALS COME TO BIG MOUNTAIN

Whitefish, MT (Jan. 17, 2001) - Big Mountain's Freestyle Team will be hosting the Northern Division Freestyle Aerial Championships this weekend at the Freestyle Aerial Site located walking distance from the Chalet in Big Mountain Village. This event will include upright and inverted aerials performed by the best aerialists in the Northwest United States. Competitors will vie for spots at the upcoming Freestyle Junior Olympics at Big Mountain March 5-11, 2001, as well as National Championship spots at Waterville New Hampshire's US Freestyle Nationals.

"Freestyle aerials are very exciting to watch," said Big Mountain Freestyle Team Director Steve Knox. "Athletes will be performing single and double flipping inverted aerials, some with twists. Younger jumpers will be performing combinations of upright aerials, some with five or six tricks per jump," continued Knox.

The schedule is as follows:
Training: 10 AM -2 PM on Friday, January 19
Training: 10 AM -3 PM on Saturday, January 20
Competition: Noon on Sunday, January 21

The Freestyle aerial hill was constructed by the Big Mountain with funds from the Flathead Valley Ski Foundation and is only one of five permanent aerial jump sites in the country. It is also the official home training site of Olympic Gold Medalist, Eric Bergoust of Missoula, Montana.

BIG MOUNTAIN'S FREESTYLERS SHINE IN LAST WEEKEND'S EVENTS

Whitefish, MT (Jan. 17, 2001) - Big Mountain's Freestyle Team competed at two different locations last weekend, bringing home many top finishes. Silver Mountain, ID hosted a Freeskiing Slopestyle Event, where Karl Crittenden won his age class and had the highest score in the whole event. At Missoula Snowbowl, Big Mountain Freestylers competed in three mogul events with Becky Manning and Celia Scanzo taking home an overall 1st place finish. Michael Stevenson came home with three, 2nd place overall finishes also.

"We had a very strong showing," said team manager and coach Jason Hanchett. "I'm very proud of both our USSA Freestylers as well as our Freeride squad."

This weekend Big Mountain's Freestyle team will host an aerial event on the jump hill located at the bottom of the Big Ravine ski run.

Complete results are as follows:

Silver Mt Slopestyle 1/14

Karl Crittenden 1st M2, 1st overall
Todd Maiden 4th Open division
Blake Webber 1st M4
Chis Levengood 1st M3

Snowbowl Moguls 1/14

Becky Manning 1st F2, 1st overall
Celia Scanzo 2nd F2, 3rd overall
Hannah Vanak 1st F4
Morgan Flanders 3rd F4
Michael Stevenson 2nd MS, 2nd overall
Chris Daley 4th M1
Evan Flanders 9th M2
Clint Manning 4th M4
Clark Manning 6th M3
CJ Manning 1st M5

Snowbowl Moguls 1/15

Celia Scanzo 1st F2 1st overall
Morgan Flanders 2nd F4
Michael Stevenson 2nd MS, 2nd overall
Evan Flanders 9th M2
Snowbowl Dual Moguls 1/15
Celia Scanzo 3rd overall
Michael Stevenson 2nd overall
Evan Flanders 17th

VAIL RESORTS COMMENTS ON SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY PERIOD

Vail, CO (Jan. 17, 2001) - Vail Resorts (NYSE: MTN) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Adam M. Aron commented publicly yesterday about the Company's performance during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period. "We are very encouraged by visitation to our four Colorado ski resorts during the recent holidays. Skier visits were up markedly compared to the same period last year, and at least so far in this ski season are in line with our own aggressive expectations that Vail Resorts could see a significant increase in visits and recurring cash flow this year. As a result, with about 30% of the 2000-2001 ski season now behind us, we continue to be comfortable with analyst estimates for the fiscal year," Aron said.

Aron noted that consensus analyst estimates call for Resort EBITDA for fiscal 2001 to rise by about 20% year-over-year, after excluding from fiscal 2000 results the $13.9 million of net expected proceeds from a Reduced Skier Day Insurance Policy. Under this custom insurance product secured by the Company for fiscal 2000, the policy pays the mountain resort operator if skiers fail to materialize as a result of poor snowfall, Y2K travel concerns or other reasons.

DOUG SMITH MEMORIAL DOWNHILL SPEEDS INTO ACTION

Whitefish, MT (Jan. 17, 2001) - The Doug Smith Memorial Downhill gets underway this weekend at Big Mountain Resort, with downhill competition slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, January 23-24 and Super G races slated for Thursday and Friday, January 25-26.The public is invited to come view some of the best young racers from various points along the course, with great views also available riding the Glacier Chaser (Chair 1).

The Doug Smith Memorial Downhill Race was first run in 1948 in honor of a young local and one of Big Mountain's earliest racers, Doug Smith. During World War II, Doug worked as a Technical Sergeant and a radio gunner on a Liberator bomber with the Army Air Corp. In September 1944, Smith and his comrades gave their lives when shot down by enemy aircraft over Hersfield, Germany.

Today the Doug Smith Race is known for attracting some of the best young racers in the nation. Members of the U.S. Ski Team vie for World Cup placement and outstanding youngsters test their skills against U.S. and Canadian team members as they compete to earn a trip to Europe with the National Team in February.

"These young athletes compete to make their dreams come true," states Paul Mahre, Big Mountain's Race Coach. "They're competing for spots on the national team and the only way they can get there is high speeds and good sportsmanship."

With lower than average snowfall to-date this season, Big Mountain Race crews are working hard to prepare the course for the racers. "We've been harvesting, farming and making snow," added Mahre. "We're concentrating on the critical turns and high-wear areas of the course. With the work we've accomplished, we should be in good shape for the weekend. The course work that's happening right now is also setting up a good base for the US Alpine Championships in March."

Doug Smith Downhill Schedule of Events:
Jan. 19 Registration, Team Captains Meeting
Jan. 20-22 Downhill Training
Jan. 23-24 Downhill races
Jan. 25-26 Super G races

The Events Department is looking for interested citizens who would like to volunteer to help with the races any time between January 16 26. Those interested should contact Big Mountain's Events Department at 862-2911. All volunteers will receive free lunch and a voucher for a free whole or half-day lift ticket, good anytime this winter season.

RESULTS FROM SQUAW VALLEY'S PAUL MITCHELL X-QUALIFIER

Squaw Valley, CA (Jan. 17, 2001) - The second annual Paul Mitchell X-Qualifier featured a full day of fierce racing competition. Eric Archer of Vail, Colorado has never won a skiercross until yesterday. The X-Games veteran took 8th at last year's competition and wowed the crowd today by winning each of his qualifying heats and running away with first place in the finals. The queen of the X-Qualifier, Katie Shackelford, proved she will be a force to be reckoned as she walks away with a win in her first ever skiercross competition.

The Paul Mitchell X-Qualifier skiercross competition is the only official qualifying event for the 2001 Winter X-Games in Mt. Snow, VT. Eighteen women and seventy-nine men participated in the event.

The X-Qualifier will air on Sunday January 30 on ESPN from 5:30-6:00pm (EST) and again on February 2 on ESPN 2 from 5:00-5:30pm (EST).

Men's Skiercross
1 Eric Archer - Vail, CO
2 Jamey Parks -Boulder, CO
3 Thomas Rinfret - Marquette, Quebec
4 Hiroomi Takizawa - Tokyo Japan

Women's Skiercross
1 Katie Shackelford - Davis, CA
2 Lela Hebard - Olympic Valley, CA
3 Julia Lejoilee - Annecy, France
4 Alanna Lundgren - Olympic Valley, CA

SQUAW VALLEY SUPPORTS TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER TO THE SNOW WEEK

Squaw Valley, CA (Jan. 16, 2001) - Squaw Valley USA will offer 2 for 1 group lessons to parents and daughters during the 4th annual Take Your Daughter to the Slopes Week January 29-February 4, 2001.

The special 2-hour group lessons will be taught each day from 1-3pm and tickets may be purchased at Squaw Valley's main ski school office on the lower mountain, located adjacent to the ticket portals. The cost for each parent & daughter pair is $36 and lessons meet at High Camp.

Take your Daughter to the Snow Week is supported and promoted by Snow Sports Association for Women (SSAW) as a national snow industry grassroots event to promote girls and women's participation in all snow sports. The event is also sponsored by www.snowlink.com, the website for Snowsports industries America (SIA). During the 1999/2000 season SIA sponsored a major market survey, which reinforced the understanding that children have a significant impact on the level of participation by families in skiing and snowboarding. Take your daughter to the slopes week is an effective way for resorts to meet this industry challenge while encouraging women to become and to stay involved in snow sports.

ANDERSON, RUBY WIN AGAIN IN FRANCE

Avoriaz, France (Jan. 14, 2001) - For the second straight day, Canadian Jasey Jay Anderson and France's Karine Ruby won World Cup snowboardcross events in France.

Anderson was followed by Austrian Lukas Gruener, Swede Jonas Aspman and Frenchman Thomas Bourgault. U.S. Snowboard Team rider Jeff Greenwood (Hartford, CT), who finished sixth in Saturday's event, was again the top American finisher in ninth.

Ruby and teammate Julie Pomagalski finished 1-2. Russia's Maria Tikhvinskaja was third and Carmen Ranigler of Italy was fourth. U.S. Team member Lynn Ott (Bend, OR) improved from her 25th place showing Saturday and placed 18th.

Prior to the World Championships, held Jan. 22-28 at Madonna, Italy, the World Cup has one final stop at Kronplatz, Italy Jan. 17-19. Parallel giant slalom, halfpipe and snowboardcross will be the featured events.

LALIVE 2nd IN COMBINED, 6th IN SLALOM

Flachau, Austria (Jan. 14, 2001) - The math was pretty basic for the resurgent Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO): a seventh in downhill and a sixth in slalom equal a second in combined, the second World Cup podium of her career.

For the weekend, Lalive - who got a new boot setting from slalom/GS Head Coach Georg Capaul and a new technician two weeks ago for her downhill and super G skis - quadrupled the number of top-10s in her career. She became the fifth U.S. alpine ski racer to reach a podium this season, following Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT), Bode Miller (Franconia, NH), Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) and Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN).

"Just incredible. With the exception of her combined second last season [Santa Caterina, Italy], Caroline never had been top-10 and now she had four top-10s in two days," said Head Coach Marjan Cernigoj. "What a show 'Liner' put on this weekend. She was unbelievable," said Capaul

"I'm very, very pleased," she said. "It was kind of a whole makeover. This is like a new lease on life."

Lalive, who struggled in the first six weeks of the season, completed a weekend eruption Sunday as she collected her fourth top-10 in 24 hours. The scorecard: Saturday - seventh in downhill and seventh in super G, too; Sunday - sixth in slalom, which added up to second place in the first women's combined calculation of the season.

Janica Kostelic of Croatia continued her unbeaten ways in slalom as she collected her sixth victory of the season, mauling the icy course to win in 1:35.94 with Austrian Karen Koellerer and Laura Pequegnot of France deadlocked for a distant second at 1:37.50. Lalive was tied for 14th in the first run and jumped into sixth place at 1:38.37 with an attacking second run; Koznick was 11th in 1:38.91.

"Kostelic is just in a completely different class from everyone. She's by herself," Capaul said. The Croatian, who turned just 19 in Jan. 5, had been 27th Saturday in the downhill, 1.19 seconds behind Lalive in seventh place behind Austrian Renate Goetschl.

Until Kostelic, who had just a two-hundredths margin over Pequegnot in the first run of slalom, overwhelmed the course, it looked like Lalive would pickup the first combined win by a U.S. woman since Cindy Nelson at Meiringen, Switzerland, in 1976. But the second run by Kostelic - who went out before midseason a year ago with a ligament injury to her right knee - erased that opportunity.

"It was negative 15 [Celsius - 5 F.]. It was freezing and the snow was just a sheet of ice," Lalive said. "We've had to be especially versatile this season with the snow; it's always been changing, but this was hard and icy."

Lalive stayed in Europe during the Christmas-New Year's holidays. She and her sister visited their father's family in the Geneva area (she grew up skiing near Gstaad) and then they celebrated New Year's in Salzburg, Austria, taking in Mozart to balance the frustration of her first part of the season. When she got back on skis, Lalive said, Capaul changed the canting of her boots and the waxing technician for Goetschl - the defending World Cup champion - agreed to handle Lalive's DH/SG skis.

"Georg spotted the boot thing," Lalive said. "What I was trying wasn't working and now it's all coming together.

"When I was beating my head against the wall, it was completely demoralizing," but the weekend's performance(s) "just reaffirms that I can do it" as a four-event skier, she said.

Cernigoj and Capaul agreed. "You watch - her GS is going to come around, too," Capaul said. "Cernigoj added, "It was tough to watch her earlier this season because Caroline is such a talent, but now things seem to be more in place. What a weekend!"

After a celebration Sunday night, Lalive planned to take two days off and then get ready for a DH/super G/GS weekend Jan. 19-21 in Cortina, Italy, the final weekend before the start of the alpine World Championships Jan. 28-Feb. 10 in St. Anton, Austria.

The 200 points for the twin victories - slalom and combined - enabled Kostelic to reclaim the World Cup overall points lead. Goetschl, the defending World Cup champion who won Saturday's downhill, was 19th in the slalom and finished third in the combined tally.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
Flachau, AUT - Jan. 14
Women's SL
1. Janica Kostelic, Croatia, 1:35.94
2. (tie) Karin Koellerer, Austria, and Laura Pequegnot, France, 1:37.50
4. Urska Hrovat, Slovenia, 1:37.84
5. Hedda Berntsen, Norway, 1:38.08
6. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:38.37
7. Spela Pretnar, Slovenia, 1:38.69
8. Tanja Poutiainen, Finland, 1:38.72
9. Christina Sponring, Austria, 1:38.86
10. Alenka Dovzan, 1:38.87
-
11. Kristina Koznick, Burnsville, Minn., 1:38.91
-
Did not qualify for 2nd run: Sarah Schleper, Vail, Colo., and Tasha Nelson, Mound, Minn.

Combined calculation (Saturday DH/Sunday SL)
1. Kostelic
2. Lalive
3. Renate Goetschl, Austria

KOOS ANSWERS CALL, FINISHES 12th IN SPRINT

Soldier Hollow, UT (Jan. 14, 2001) - College racer Torrin Koos (Leavenworth, WA), named a day earlier to replace the ailing Marcus Nash (Fryeburg, ME), responded Sunday in his first World Cup by finishing 12th in a sprint event, leading seven other Americans into the top 30.

Italy's Christian Zorzi edged Sweden's Thobias Fredriksson for first place on the last day of men's cross country racing at Soldier Hollow during the Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival. Silvio Fauner of Italy was third and Norwegian Trond Einar Elden fourth in bright sunshine..

Koos, 20, a student at the University of Utah, was called up to replace Nash, who has been battling a cold since last week's Chevy Truck U.S. championships in McCall, Idaho. His 12th is worth 22 World Cup points.

"I didn't have time to think about being intimidated," Koos said. "I didn't feel it at all except right before the start, I'm like, 'There's Markus Hasler going off and the TV camera's on me right now and I'm getting ready to start...and I was, like, 'Okay, I've been here. I know I can do this. I know this course.'

"So, all in all, I really didn't feel that intimidated at all, and that's kinda what I wanted to do. There are some great skiers who can't get it done on the big days...and I want to be known as somebody who comes through in the clutch."

Other U.S. skiers in the top 30: Carl Swenson (Boulder, CO) 17th; Justin Wadsworth (Bend, OR) 21st; David Chamberlain (Bethel, ME) 22nd; Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) 23rd; Rob Whitney (Anchorage, AK) 24th; Patrick Casey (Hailey, ID); and Chris Cook (Rhinelander, WI).

Berths for the World Championships Feb. 16-25 in Lahti, Finland, are expected to be announced later in the week.

BUDERUS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP
Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival
Men's 1.5-km Sprints
1. Christian Zorzi, Italy
2. Thobias Fredriksson, Sweden
3. Silvio Fauner, Italy
4. Trond Einar Elden, Norway
5. Rene Sommerfeldt, Germany
6. Fulvio Valbusa, Italy
7. Giogrio DiCenta, Italy
8. Freddy Schwienbacher, Italy
9. Pietro Piller Cottrer, Italy
10. Fabio Maj, Italy
11. Christian Hoffmann, Austria
12. Torrin Koos, Leavenworth, Wash.
13. Markus Hasler, Liechtenstein
14. Marc Mayer, Austria
15, Axel Tecihmann, Germany
-
17. Carl Swenson, Boulder, Colo.
21. Justin Wadsworth, Bend, Ore.
22. David Chamberlain, Bethel, Maine
23. Kris Freeman, Andover, N.H.
24. Rob Whitney, Anchorage, Alaska
28. Patrick Casey, Hailey, Idaho
30. Chris Cook, Rhinelander, Wis.
36. Lars Flora, Anchorage, Alaska
40. Andrew Johnson, Greenboro, Vt.
42. Marc Gilbertson, Hyde Park, Vt.
47. Scott Loomis, Park City, Utah
49. Nathan Schultz, Boulder, Colo.
50. Scott McArt, Honeoye Falls, N.Y.
51. Justin Beckwith, Middlebury, Vt.
54. Cory Smith, Littleton, N.H.
58. Chris Klein, Utica, N.Y.
60. Justin Freeman, Boulder, Colo.
--
Buderus World Cup (11 races)
1. Johann Muehlegg, Spain, 418
2. Per Elofsson, Sweden, 345
3. Valbusa, 338
4. Zorzi, 314
5. Tor Arne Hetland, Norway, 279
6. Thomas Alsgaard, Norway, 273
7. Piller Cottrer, 253
8. DiCenta, 242
9. Sommerfeldt, 238
10. Vincent Vittoz, France, 226
-
49. Wadsworth, 42
65. Koos, 22
75. Swenson, 14
84. K. Freeman, 10
87. Whitney, 9
87. Chamberlain, 9
95. Johnson, 6
105. Casey, 3
110. Cook, 1

SKARI RECLAIMS POINT LEAD

Soldier Hollow, UT (Jan. 14, 2001) - Bente Skari of Norway held off Manuela Henkel of Germany Sunday to win a World Cup sprint event on the 2002 Olympic course at Soldier Hollow with Nina Kemppel 17th, the first of three Americans in the World Cup points.

On the final day of women's events at the Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival at Soldier Hollow, Skari collected the 19th World Cup victory of her career. Henkel and third-place finisher Beckie Scott of Canada were stepping onto their first World Cup top-3 podium.

Kemppel, who trains with the Gold 2002 program based at Alaska Pacific University when she's not with the U.S. Ski Team, was 17th in the qualifying round. Tessa Benoit (SOuth Pomfret, VT), a former Gold 2002 skier who has returned to train with Sverre Caldwell at Vermont's Stratton Mountain School, was 20th and Kikkan Randall (also Anchorage and another in Jim Galanes' Gold 2002 program), was 24th.

World Championships selections are expected to be announced later in the week. The championships will be Feb. 16-25 in Lahti, Finland.

BUDERUS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP
Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival
Soldier Hollow, UT - Jan. 14
Women's 1.5-km Sprints
1. Bente Skari, Norway
2. Manuela Henkel, Germany
3. Beckie Scott, Canada
4. Kristina Smigun, Estonia
5. Sabina Valbusa, Italy
6. Gabriella Paruzzi, Italy
7. Stefania Belmondo, Italy
8. Marin Moroder, Italy
9. Katerina Neumannova, Czech Republic
10. Julia Tchepalova, Russia
11. Anke Reschwam, Germany
12. Claudia Kuenzel, Germany
13. Ine Wigernaes, Norway,
14. Aino-Kaisa Saarinen, Finland
15. Irina Terelia, Ukraine
-
17. Nina Kemppel, Anchorage, Alaska
20. Tessa Benoit, South Pomfret, Vt.
24. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, Alaska
32. Wendy Wagner, Park City, Utah
33. Brooke Baughmann, Ketchum, Idaho
36. Aelin Peterson, Fairbanks, alaska
37. Barb Jones, Bozeman, Mont.
40. Melissa Oram, Taberg, N.Y.
42. Kristina Joder, Landgrove, Vt.
46. Jessica Smith, Anchorage, Alaska
47. Sarah Konrad, Laramie, Wyo.
48. Christa Case, Grass Valley, Calif.
49. Jeannie Wall, Bozeman, Mont.
51. Kristina Trygstad, Bozeman, Mont.
53. Coreen Woodbury, Steamboat Springs, Colo.
--
Buderus World Cup (10 races)
1. Skari, 591 points
2. Tchepalova, 528
3. Belmondo, 470
4. Neumannova, 421
5. Smigun, 343
6. Larissa Lazhutina, Russia, 337
7. Pirjo Manninen, Finland, 330
8. Paruzzi, 311
9. Nina Gavriljuk, Russia, 248
10.Valbusa, 221
-
29. Kemppel, 60
62. Benoit, 11
67. Randall, 7

AUSTRIANS GO 1-2-3-4-5 IN WENGEN SL

Wengen, Switzerland (Jan. 14, 2001) - Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT) was sixth in the first run of a World Cup slalom Sunday but skied out on the bottom of his second run as Benjamin Raich led an Austrian sweep of the top five places.

Raich won in 1:44.42 with Rainer Schoenfelder second with a 1:45.71 clocking and Mario Matt was third.

After rain or fog wiped out speed races Friday and Saturday, the men's schedule resumed with the slalom. Sacha Gros (Vail, CO) was .05 away from reaching the second run while 26 skiers were DNF in the first run, including Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) and Chip Knight (New Canaan, CT).

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
Wengen, SUI - Jan. 14
Men's Slalom
1. Benjamin Raich, Austria, 1:44.42
2. Rainer Schoenfelder, Austria, 1:45.71
3. Mario Matt, Austria, 1:46.07
4. Florian Seer, Austria, 1:46.75
5. Kilian Albrecht, Austria, 1:46.86
6. Mitja Kunc, Slovenia, 1:46.92
7. Alain Baxter, Great Britain, 1:47.05
8. Andrzej Bachleda, Poland, 1:47.06
9. Kjetil Andre Aamodt, Norway,1:47.09
10. Johan Brolenius, Sweden, 1:47.26
-
DNF-2: Erik Schlopy, Park City, Utah
Did not qualify for 2nd run: Sacha Gros, Vail, Colo.
DNF-1: Bode Miller, Franconia, N.H.; Chip Knight, New Canaan, CT

ANDERSON, RUBY WIN WORLD CUP SNOWBOARDCROSS

Avoriaz, France (Jan. 14, 2001) - The conditions were perfect as Canadian Jasey Jay Anderson and France's Karine Ruby won the World Cup season's fifth snowboardcross Saturday.

Friday's training on the course had been canceled due to soft conditions, but cold temperatures overnight helped harden the run and provide an exciting course for the riders.

Anderson, who was the fastest in qualifications and breezed through the finals, notched his second career snowboardcross win. He took out Simone Malusa from Italy in the finals. Swiss rider Guillaume Nantermod took third and Australian Zeke Steggall was fourth.

"For me to go down in a snowboardcross is always hard," Anderson said "You need to go big but today I knew from the start that I was going to do well. However, there's always all those top riders in the finals and you never know - a lot of it is an attitude."

U.S. Snowboard Team rider Jeff Greenwood (Hartford, CT), who was second in a Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix Jan. 5, was the top American Saturday finishing sixth.

Ruby ousted Austrian Ursula Fingerlos in the finals. Ruby's tightest rival, Sandra Farmand of Germany, was third and Austrian Manuela Riegler took fourth.

"I've been using soft boots in snowboardcross for two years now but this really wasn't an advantage today with all those turns," said Ruby. "However, it helped me to be fine on the moguls. It was a bit harder this morning so it was easier to go in the air but the sunshine didn't affect the slope too much so we faced nice conditions."

U.S. Team athlete Lynn Ott (Bend, OR), the only American entered in the women's event, finished 25th.

MEN
1. Jasey Jay Anderson, Canada
2. Simone Malusa, Italy
3. Guillaume Nantermod, Switzerland
4. Zeke Steggall, Austria
5. Markus Ebner, Germany
6. Jeff Greenwood, Hartford, Conn.
7. Aymeric Mermoz, France
8. Lukas Gruener, Austria
9. Alexander Maier, Austria
10. Pontus Stahlkloo, Sweden
11. Guillaume Sachot, France
12. Mikko Nuuttila, Finland
13. Thomas Ligonnet, France
14. Anton Pogue, Hood River, Ore.
15. Ben Wainwright, Canada
16. Dimitri Vaitkous, Russia

WOMEN
1. Karine Ruby, France
2. Ursula Fingerlos, Austria
3. Sandra Farmand, Germany
4. Manuela Riegler, Austria
5. Julie Pomagalski, France
6. Marie Laissus, France
7. Claudia Riegler, France
8. Victoria Wicky, France
9. Nathalie Desmares, France
10. Isabel Clark Ribeiro, Brazil
11. Marjorie Rey, France
12. Emmanuelle Duboc, France
13. Stephanie Berlioz, France
14. Maria Tikhvinskaja, Russia
15. Claude Pasquier, France
16. Birgit Herbert, Austria

CANADIANS NAB FIRST WORLD CUP RELAY PODIUM

Soldier Hollow, UT (Jan. 14, 2001) - Stefania Belmondo of Italy pulled away in the final lap of the women's 4x5-km relay Saturday to take the win, but the Canadians scored their first World Cup relay podium in the pre-Olympic event at Soldier Hollow.

Belmondo, who was celebrating her 32nd birthday, started the final lap with Canadian Amanda Fortier, but she quickly pulled away and built more than a minute margin of victory. The four Italian women - Sabina Valbusa, Gabriella Paruzzim Cristina Paluselli and Belmondo - finished in 1:00.20.5 with Canada-1 1:01.43.0 back. Sara Renner, who was 15th Wednesday in the "pursuit" event, skied the opening leg, followed by Milaine Theriault, Beckie Scott (fourth on Wednesday) and Fortier.

Third place on the next-to-last day of the cross country events of the Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival at Soldier Hollow went to Finland. Mari Rauhala, Kirsi Maelimaa, Rikka Sirvioe and Aino-Kaisa Saarinen were 2.7 seconds back of Canada.

USA-1 - Wendy Wagner (Park City, UT), Tessa Benoit (South Pomfret, VT), Barb Jones (Bozeman, MT) and Sarah Konrad (Laramie, WY) - was sixth with a time of 1:04.26.3.

BUDERUS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP
Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival
Soldier Hollow, UT - Jan. 13
Women's 4x5-km mixed relay
1. Finland (Sabina Valbusa, Gabriella Paruzzi, Cristina Paluselli, Stefania Belmondo), 1:00.20.5
2. Canada-1 (Sara Renner, Milaine Theriault, Beckie Scott, Amanda Fortier), 1:01.43.0
3. Finland (Mari Rauhala, Kirsi Maelimaa, Riika Sirvioe, Aino Kaisa Saarinen), 1:01.45.7
4. Ukraine, 1:02.28.6
5. France, 1:02.52.4
6. USA-1 (Wendy Wagner, Park City, UT; Tessa Benoit, South Pomfret, VT; Barb Jones, Bozeman, MT; Sarah Konrad, Laramie, WY), 1:04.26.3
7. Canada-2, 1:04.32.4
8. USA/Norway (Unni Odegaard, Norway; Julie Southwell, Laramie, WY; Jeannie Wall, Bozeman, MT; Brooke Baughmann, Ketchum, Idaho), 1:05.54.7
9. USA-2 (Jessica Smith, Anchorage, AK; Melissa Oram, Taberg, NY; Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, AK; Aelin Peterson, Fairbanks, AK), 1:08.11.7

FONTAINE, TSUPER WIN AERIALS

Mont-Tremblant, Canada (Jan. 13, 2001) - Canadian standout Nicolas Fontaine and Alla Tsuper from Belarus won a World Cup aerials event Saturday at Mt. Tremblant. Joe Pack (Park City, UT) finished just off the podium in fourth place.

Fontaine beat out a pair of competitors from Belarus as Dmitri Dashinski was second and teammate Alexei Grichin took third.

Pack, who finished third at the Gateway Freestyle Challenge World Cup just a week ago at Deer Valley, Utah,

U.S. standout Eric Bergoust (Park City, UT), trying to make up for missing the finals cut a week ago at Deer Valley, went a bit too big on his second jump and slid onto his back on the landing pitch.

"I was a little too slow last week and this time I was too fast on my takeoff," said Bergoust.

Bergoust, who qualified third for Saturday's event, started off the season on a tear as he won back-to-back World Cup events at Mt. Buller, Australia in August and took second behind Pack at Blackcomb, British Columbia on Dec. 2.

Pack is in a close battle with Bergoust for the World Cup aerials points lead. He leads the '98 Olympic gold medallist 364-356. Canadian Steve Omischl sits in third with 340 points.

Tsuper took the win with a score of 183.57. Chinese aerialist Nannan Xu was second, recording a 172.77 and Norwegian Hilde Synnove Lid was third with a 170.15.

Both Tsuper and Australian powerhouse Jacqui Cooper recorded a jump of 94.43, the highest score of the day. However, Cooper faltered on her second jump to give the win to Tsuper.

The top American woman was Emily Cook (Belmont, MA) in seventh with a 164.94. Cook has been strong as of late as she posted her first career World Cup podium last week at Deer Valley with a third place showing.

The aerialists now gear up for the World Championships, to be held Jan. 17-21 at Whistler, British Columbia. Bergoust is the reigning world aerials champion and is looking to rebound from his last two World Cup letdowns.

The Team leaves Mt. Tremblant Sunday morning and will head straight to Blackcomb to begin training.

World Cup action will resume Jan. 27-28 at Sunday River, Maine.

FOG SCUTTLES MEN'S DH IN WENGEN

Wengen, Switzerland (Jan. 13, 2001) - A day after rain wiped out a men's World Cup downhill in Wengen, heavy fog on the bottom of the course Saturday forced cancellation of the fabled Lauberhorn downhill. It also meant cancellation of the first men's combined event for the season.

Officials delayed the start of the race two hours, hoping the fog would lift, but they eventually had to cancel the race.

There was no immediate word on possible rescheduling of the downhills, but there appeared to be no opportunity before the World Championships, which open Jan. 28 in St. Anton, Austria.

The men are scheduled for a slalom Sunday in Wengen and then the traditional Hahnenkamm weekend Jan. 20-21 in Kitzbuehel, Austria, before the Worlds return to Austria for the first time since 1991.

LALIVE 7th IN BOTH HAUS DH, SG

Haus, Austria (Jan. 13, 2001) - Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO) turned-in the best World Cup day of her career Saturday, finishing seventh in a downhill in the morning and seventh again in a super G, leading four U.S. women into the top 30 in each race. Alison Powers (Winter Park, CO) was 16th in the downhill, but she crashed just before the finish line - crossing the finish on her back - and fractured her left kneecap, ending her season.

As the women's schedule returned to speed events, two races were set for Saturday following a DH rainout Friday; the downhill was run Saturday morning and the super G went after lunch.

In the downhill race, World Cup champion Renate Goetschl of Austria won her second DH of the season in 1:44.0 with Italy's Isolde Kostner - who alleged at Lake Louise six weeks ago that Goetschl may have cheated in another DH - second in 1:44.05. Melanie Turgeon of Canada finished third with a 1:44.08 clocking.

Lalive, who finished second in a combined event a year ago, set herself up nicely for the season's first combined this weekend as she started 41st in the downhill and finished in 1:45.10. Gerety was 10th in 1:45.41.

Powers (Winter Park, CO) was 16th in 1:45.76, but went down on the last portion of the Krummholz course and slid across the finish line on her back. She was removed by stretcher and U.S. Coach Marjan Cernigoj said she had a fractured left patellar, which will end her season. Further details were not immediately available.

"Obviously, 'Liner' [Lalive] skied really well. What else can you say? She had good execution and good focus," said women's DH/SG Head Coach Jim Tracy. "It was gonna be a long day - everyone knew that - but she really stepped up to the plate. This is great for her confidence. we did some boot work, which obviously helped, and these races have helped her get her confidence back. And Megan had a really good day. The top secton's flat, and she gave away maybe a half-second or more up there in the DH, but she skied the bottom really well.

"It's such a bummer about 'Powie' - she hooked a gate right at the finish - but the girls did a good job keeping their focus."

Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) was 25th with a time of 1:46.28 with Picabo Street (Park City, UT), who had been 14th in the final training run, 35th (1:46.64) and Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) 42nd.

In the super G, Regine Cavagnoud of France won in 1:28.48 with Turgeon second (1:28.75) and Goetschl third at 1:29.07.

Lalive was timed in 1:29.75. Gerety finished 21st in 1:31.13, Clark was 23rd in 1:31.39 and Mendes 30th in 1:31.66. Street was a DNF.

"We're really close [to more success]. I'm really pleased with everyone's performance today, even Picabo who keeps making progress in this comeback," Tracy said. "I'm not a fan of two races in a day - it's really tough on the girls, not to mention the course workers - and this was a tough super G; it really came at you fast...but they did a good job dealing with everything."

The women race a slalom Sunday, which doubles as the back end of the women's first combined event for the winter.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
Haus, AUT - Jan. 13
Women's Downhill
1. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:44.0
2. Isolde Kostner, 1:44.05
3. Melanie Turgeon, Canada, 1:44.08
4. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 1:44.10
5. Carole Montillet, France, 1:44.79
6. Emily Brydon, Canada, 1:44.93
7. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:45.10
8. Catherine Borghi, Switzerland, 1:45.39
9. Mojca Suhadolc, Slovenia, 1:45.40
10. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:45.41
-
16. Alison Powers, Winter Park, Colo., 1:45.76
25. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:46.28
35. Picabo Street, Park City, Utah, 1:46.64
42. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:47.10

Women's Super G
1. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 1:28.48
2. Melanie Turgeon, Canada, 1:28.75
3. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:29.07
4. Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria, 1:29.12
5. Brigitte Obermoser, Austria, 1:29.44
6. Carole Montillet, France, 1:29.48
7. Caroline Lalive, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:29.75
8. Emily Brydon, Canada, 1:29.86
9. Alexandra Meissnitzer, Austria, 1:29.90
10. Hilde Gerg, Germany, 1:29.91
-
21. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:31.13
23. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:31.39
30. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:31.66

MUEHLEGG TAKES SECOND STRAIGHT

Soldier Hollow, UT (Jan. 13, 2001) - Spain's Johann Muehlegg took charge at the start Saturday and skied through light snow to win his second World Cup race in four days at Soldier Hollow during the Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival. Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) earned his first World Cup points, finishing 29th.

Muehlegg, who skied for Germany for 10 years before getting Spanish citizenship about 18 months ago following another squabble with the German Ski Federation. He finished the 15-km classic race at Soldier Hollow in 41:54.7, more than a minute ahead of Austrian Mikhail Botvinov (42:55.9) with Italy's Fulvio Valbusa third (43:06.9).

Actually, Muehlegg, the defending World Cup overall champion who had won Wednesday in the mass-start, 30-km freestyle race, ran his record in the USA to 3-for-3. Two years ago, he won the American Birkebeiner in Wisconsin en route to capturing the 1999 Worldloppet title.

Freeman was racing in his second World Cup event; his final time was 46:44.0 with his older brother Justin 32nd (47:00.3). Nathan Schultz was 26th in 47:43.6.

BUDERUS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP
Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival
Soldier Hollow, UT - Jan. 13
Men's 15-km Classic
1. Johan Muehlegg, Spain, 41:54.7
2. Mikhail Botvinov, Austria, 42:55.9
3. Fulvio Valbusa, Italy, 43:06.9
4. Rene Sommerfeldt, Germany, 43:12.5
5. Fabio Maj, Italy, 43:23.4
6. Pietro Piller Cottrer, Italy, 43:26.3
7. Martin Bajcicak, Slovakia, 43:54.3
8. Giorgio DiCenta, Italy, 43:57.9
9. Reto Burgermeister, Switzerland, 43:58.6
10. Achim Walcher, Austria, 44:12.5
11. Hiroyuki Imai, Japan, 44:20.4
12. Gerhard Urain, Austria, 44:27.7
13. Axel Teichmann, Germany, 44:38.8
14. Freddy Aschwanden, Switzerland, 44:42.9
15. Vincent Vittoz, France, 44:45.5
-
29. Kris Freeman, Andover, N.H., 46:44.0
32. Justin Freeman, Boulder, Colo., 47:00.3
36. Nathan Schultz, Boulder, Colo., 47:43.6
41. Marc Gilbertson, Hyde Park, Vt., 48:50.5
42. Chris Klein, Utica, N.Y., 50:09.7
43. Chris Cook, Rhinelander, Wis., 50:16.8
44. Cory Smith, Littleton, N.H., 50:36.2
45. Scott Loomis, Park City, Utah, 50:49.0
47. Pete Vordenberg, Albuquerue, N.M., 51:08.1
48. Lars Flora, Anchorage, Alaska, 51:45.4
49. Scott McArt, Honeoye Falls, N.Y., 52.33.4
-
DNF: Justin Wadsworth, Bend, Ore.
--
Buderus World Cup (10 races)
1. Muehlegg, 412
2. Per Elofsson, Sweden, 345
3. Valbusa, 308
4. Tor Arne Hetland, Norway, 279
5. Thomas Alsgaard, Norway, 273
6. Piller Cottrer, 236
7. Vittoz, 226
8. Christian Zorzi, Italy, 223
9. DiCenta, 211
10. Jan Jacob Verdenius, Norway, 197
11. Sommerfeldt, 196
12. Odd-Bjorn Hjelmeset, Norway, 186
13. Kristen Skjeldal, Norway, 184
14. Frode Estil, Norway, 170
15. Christian Hoffmann, Austria, 161
-
55. Wadsworth, 32
89. Andrew Johnson, Greensboro, Vt., 6
101. (tie) K. Freeman and Rob Whitney, Anchorage, Alaska, 2 each

SQUAW VALLEY HOLDS SAFETY AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST FOR LOCAL KIDS

Squaw Valley, CA (Jan. 13, 2001) - Squaw Valley USA is hosting its second annual poster contest for North Lake Tahoe school children in an effort to promote safety awareness at ski resorts and throughout the community.

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), in conjunction with the National Ski Patrol, the Professional Ski Instructors of America, the American Association of Snowboard Instructors and Willis and AGI insurance companies, has developed the Safety Initiative 2000 campaign to address the topic of slope safety education for guests. Squaw Valley USA's poster contest is intended to support this new safety initiative by promoting skiing and snowboarding safety awareness and education to elementary school children, supporting classroom curriculum related to sports, health and safety, and giving kids a chance to be creative and have fun while learning about slope safety.

The contest is designed to be both easy and fun for kids. Students create posters based on one or more of the seven elements of the "Skier's & Snowboarder's Responsibility Code." They may use pencil, crayon, paint or other materials readily available in schools (no macaroni please) and the posters must not be larger than 11x17. Squaw Valley will then select a winner based on the overall safety message and creativity of the design. Squaw Valley will post entries throughout the resort and on the web site and the overall winner receives an ice skating party at High Camp for five kids. Additional prizes will be awarded to individual grade winners. Winning posters from Squaw Valley's contest will also be forwarded to NSAA for the national contest. All participants, including participants' teachers, are invited for a complimentary ski and skate day on Sunday February 11, 2001 when Squaw Valley announces the contest winners at 3pm on the Olympic House sundeck.

The contest is open to all children in grades Kindergarten - Sixth. Posters must be submitted to Squaw Valley Ski Corp. no later than February 2, 2001, with the entrant's name, address, phone number and teacher's name and school printed on the back. Entries may be mailed to: Squaw Valley Safety Poster Contest, C/O Squaw Valley Ski Corp, P.O. Box 2007, Olympic Valley, CA. 96146. Please call 530-581-7114 for more information.

INTRAWEST REPORTS STRONG HOLIDAY SEASON RESULTS

Vancouver, Canada (Jan. 13, 2001) - In a conference call with the investment community yesterday, Joe Houssian, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Intrawest Corporation, indicated that, consistent with the expectations coming into the season, all of the company's resorts experienced strong growth in revenue and visits over the Christmas/New Year period compared with the same period last year. Based on the holiday results and the bookings in place across all of its resorts, the company is confident that it can meet or exceed the consensus analysts' estimate for growth in company-wide operations EBITDA of 18% for this fiscal year.

The company attributed the strength of the holiday results to an increase of over 3,200 beds at its resorts, particularly within the newest villages, and the overall impact of the large investment in the facilities and villages at its resorts over the past three years. The positive results also reflect the success of a number of new marketing and sales initiatives, including the implementation of its e-commerce strategies.

Commenting on the outlook for its real estate business, the company indicated that it has continued to experience strong demand. The last four projects offered since November, three at Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia and the other at Mountain Creek in New Jersey, sold out completely at the launch event.

The company's vacation booking business, Resort Reservations Network, Inc., continues to experience very rapid growth with bookings of $20.3 million year-to-date compared with $9.5 million for the same period last year, an increase of 114%.

Intrawest is a leading developer and operator of village-centered resorts across North America. The company owns Whistler/Blackcomb, North America's most popular mountain resort. It also owns Panorama in British Columbia, Blue Mountain in Ontario (50%), Tremblant and Mont Ste. Marie in Quebec, Copper in Colorado, Stratton in Vermont, Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia, Mountain Creek in New Jersey, Mammoth in California (59%), and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida. The company is creating new four-season resort villages at Keystone, Colorado; Solitude, Utah; Squaw Valley near Lake Tahoe, California; Les Arcs, France; and Lake Las Vegas Resort, Nevada and has a vacation ownership business, Club Intrawest. Intrawest has a significant investment in Compagnie des Alpes, the largest ski company in the world in terms of skier visits, and a 45% interest in Alpine Helicopters Ltd., owner of Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world.

Intrawest Corporation's shares are listed on the New York (IDR) and Toronto (ITW) stock exchanges. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and is located online at www.intrawest.com.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM USA SELECTED FOR 2001 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD WINTER GAMES

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2001) - Special Olympics, Inc. announced Wednesday that 472 athletes from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have been selected to represent the United States at the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Anchorage, Alaska.

These athletes will comprise Special Olympics Team USA and join 1,528 other athletes from 80 countries at the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games on March 4-11, 2001, the largest international sporting event ever to be staged in Alaska. The theme for the seventh annual Special Olympics World Winter Games is "Challenging New Frontiers."

Special Olympics athletes were chosen as members of Special Olympics Team USA based on their athletic accomplishments in their home states. Athletes will compete in Alpine skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and speed skating. A complete Special Olympics Team USA roster is available at http://www.2001worldgames.org.

"We'd like to congratulate each of the Special Olympics Team USA athletes who will represent all United States Special Olympics athletes in their endeavor to succeed at the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games," said Tim Shriver, CEO and President of Special Olympics, Inc. "These dedicated athletes have earned their spot on Special Olympics Team USA through months of training and hard work, and we share their excitement as they prepare to compete in the upcoming games in Alaska."

On average, it costs $1,500 to send one Special Olympics athlete to the Special Olympics World Winter Games. All travel, equipment, training and competitions are free for all Special Olympics athletes. Two important sponsors, Cingular Wireless and Columbia Sportswear, are helping send Team USA to the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Cingular Wireless is the official sponsor of Special Olympics Team USA. Columbia Sportswear is providing sportswear and outerwear for Team USA athletes and coaches.

Special Olympics is a year-round sports training and athletic competition program for children and adults with mental retardation. To support Special Olympics Team USA or information on the global movement, visit the Special Olympics web site at http://www.specialolympics.org. You can visit the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games web site at http://www.2001worldgames.org to learn more about the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

BRETTON WOODS HOSTS GESCHMOSSEL 15 KM CROSS COUNTRY SKI RACE JAN. 21

Bretton Woods, NH (Jan. 13, 2001) - On Sunday, January 21, Bretton Woods and Inglenook Wines will host the Geschmossel 15 kilometer classical cross country race on the rolling terrain of the Ammonoosuc Trail Network at Bretton Woods Nordic Ski Center in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Originally staged during the winter of 1972-73, the Geschmossel is one of New England’s oldest citizen’s races. The race originated as a 6-kilometer fun race and grew to attract high level skiers, including members of the United States Ski Team. The original racecourse at Bretton Woods was groomed using a homemade track sled that was pulled by a rope fastened to a grooming machine.

In addition to offering spectacular views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range like the original event, this year’s Geschmossel will provide skiers with a double-tracked ski surface set by a state-of-the-art Bombardier grooming machine. Today’s Bretton Woods trails are also considerably wider and smoother than those raced on in the early 1970s.

The Geschmossel will follow a classical ski format - no skating is allowed. A mass start, that will be easily viewed from The Mount Washington Hotel’s back veranda, is scheduled for 11 a.m.

The registration fee is $15, on or before January 17, or $20 after January 17 and includes entry to the race, a trail pass for the day, and an awards reception with wine tasting to be held in the Lafayette Room at The Mount Washington Hotel at 2 pm. Awards will be presented to the winners of eight separate age groups. Skiers may register at the Nordic Café and Welcome Center from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on race day.

The return of the Geschmossel is sponsored by Inglenook Wines. For a race application or more information, please call the Bretton Woods Nordic Center at 603-278-3322.

SCHWEITZER TO OFFER $20 LIFT TICKETS THIS WEEK

Sandpoint, ID (Jan. 13, 2001) - Schweitzer will offer $20 discounted lift tickets to help celebrate the Sandpoint Winter Carnival January 16-21, 2001. This years Winter Carnival theme "Bridging the Century" was chosen because of the importance of the bridges that were built spanning the lake and connecting the outlying areas, giving access to the city. The year 2001 is also Sandpoint's Centennial Celebration and the Winter Carnival will begin a year of activities to commemorate Sandpoint's last 100 years.

Schweitzer has been a part of Sandpoint for the last 38 years since it's beginning in 1963. "The mountain has received overwhelming support from the community of Sandpoint and this is a great way to return the support as well as get people to come and see how good the skiing is", commented Ingrid Campbell, marketing director.

There are a variety of events planned for all ages throughout the week in Sandpoint and at Schweitzer on January 20th there is a torchlight parade and fireworks. "Bring your friends and celebrate winter with us at Schweitzer and ski for only $20", commented Jennifer Mancuso, marketing assistant.

JUNE MOUNTAIN OPENS TODAY WITH THREE FEET OF NEW SNOW

Mammoth Lakes, CA (Jan. 13, 2001) - A snowstorm that blanketed the Mammoth area with three feet of snow will allow June Mountain to open Saturday, January 13, much to the delight of eager skiers and snowboarders. The storm left enough snow for the mountain to kick off its 2000-01 season with great conditions. June provides a variety of terrain for all abilities with 2,590' of vertical and eight lifts. Located just 20 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, June is known for its terrain park, Boardertown, and its family-style ambience. Skiers have the option of cruising June's groomed runs or challenging themselves on the steeps and glades of the lower mountain.

"Mother Nature came through for us in a big way. June will be open with fantastic conditions," said Carl Williams, General Manager. "Our employees have done an excellent job preparing the mountain and my hat goes off to them for their hard work and patience."

PAM FLETCHER TO HOST CHARLES SCHWAB NASTAR U.S. SKI TEAM DAY AT VAIL

Vail, CO (Jan. 13, 2001) - Pam Fletcher, a nine-year member of the U.S. Ski Team and a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Ski Team, will be the featured host for the Charles Schwab Nastar U.S. Ski Team Day, January 20 at Vail Resort.

A partnership between Charles Schwab Nastar, the U.S. Ski Team, Chevy Trucks and Yahoo! Sports Outdoors, the event will feature a race clinic and autograph sessions hosted by Fletcher and a U.S. Ski Team Coach, which will offer valuable tips for skiing enthusiasts of all ages. In addition, ski enthusiasts will have the opportunity to race the Nastar course on the mountain against Fletcher’s official pacesetting time or against Fletcher herself.

“Nastar is a great program to get recreational skiers involved in a more competitive environment,” said Fletcher. “I look forward to meeting the participants and helping to develop some of the top young skiing talent at Vail.”

Nastar (National Standard Race) is the world’s largest recreational skiing program, with nearly 4.5 million participants since 1968. Originally founded by SKI Magazine, the 32 year-old program has been one of the most successful grass roots programs of its kind, reaching to over 50,000 skiers annually at approximately 100 of America’s top resorts. Through the use of a handicap system similar to golf, skiers of all ages and abilities race against the clock compete with one another throughout the season, regardless of when and where they race.

Skiers have the opportunity to qualify for the Charles Schwab Nastar National Championships, taking place March 31 – April 1 at Beaver Creek Resort in Beaver Creek, Colo.

For additional information on the Charles Schwab Nastar U.S. Ski Team Day at Vail, or to register for the 2000-2001 Charles Schwab Nastar season, please visit www.nastar.com.

OKEMO EXPANDS STATE DAY SPECIALS

Ludlow, VT (Jan. 13, 2001) - As a thank you to the many Okemo supporters, Okemo has expanded its State Day specials to skiers and riders with several additional dates in January, February and March. All that's needed is proof of residency at the time of purchase (driver's license, hunting/fishing license or voter registration card).

Residents of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and Rhode Island can ski or ride the entire day for just $25 on January 25, February 8 and March 29th. On Thursday, April 12th the price is only $20.

Residents of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware can ski or ride the entire day for just $25 on Thursday, February 1, March 8 and March 22. On Thursday, April 5th the price is only $20.

Residents of Vermont and New Hampshire can ski or ride the entire day for just $25 on Wednesday, January 24, January 31, February 7, February 14, March 7th, March 14, March 21st and March 28th. On Wednesday, April 4, 11th and 18th, the price is just $20.

Residents of Vermont and New Hampshire can ski or ride on Sunday afternoons (non-holidays) from 12:30-4:00 pm for just $19.

WOMEN'S DOWNHILL CHALLENGE AT VAIL HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER TO THE SNOW WEEK

Vail, CO (Jan. 13, 2001) - Vail will host a special race that teams women of all ages with friends and family to celebrate Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 4, 2001. The week will commence with the Women’s Downhill Challenge at Vail’s Black Forest Nastar Course on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m.

“We saw this as a great opportunity for Ski Club Vail to work with the ski area to personalize Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week,” said Susan Dooley, marketing director for Ski Club Vail. “We want to encourage women to get out on the snow this week and become a part of this national effort to get more females back on the slopes. This is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends.”

The Women’s Downhill Challenge is a team race consisting of two people per team; at least one person must be a female. Times from each team will be tabulated to determine the winning pair. Prizes will consist of gift certificates, Ski outerwear and ski equipment.

Teams of two must register prior to the event. Registration forms are available at Kenny’s Double Diamond in Lionshead and all Slifer Smith & Frampton locations. You may also register by calling Ski Club Vail at (303) 733-4018 or look for registration forms in the Vail Daily and The Vail Trail. Adult registration is $63 and children under 12 can register for $39 – registration fee includes a one-day lift ticket, a chance to win a number of prizes and lunch. Skiers and snowboarders who already have a season pass can register for $20 and kids under 12 can register for $10.

Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week is in its fourth year and was created by the Snow Sports Association for Women to encourage everyone who alpine or cross country skis, snowboards or snowshoes to introduce a daughter, sister, mother or female friend to the snow through outdoor activities. More than 300 resorts, cross country centers, retailers, suppliers and promotion also organizations across the United States participate in this nationwide grassroots program. Olympic and World Cup ski racer Picabo Street is the official spokesperson for the event.

The Women’s Downhill Challenge is presented by Slifer Smith & Frampton and is sponsored by Ski Club Vail. For more information on the event, please call 303-733-4018. For details on additional activities throughout the United States during Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week, visit www.snowlink.com.

BEAVER CREEK ADDS AVALANCHE WORKSHOP TO SAFETY WEEK LINEUP

Beaver Creek, CO (Jan. 13, 2001) - Just as “Your Responsibility Code” governs skiers and snowboarders who take to the slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain, avalanche and backcountry preparedness is the code that guides the actions of wilderness explorers. As part of its National Safety Week plans, Beaver Creek will offer a free, introductory Avalanche and Backcountry Awareness class on Tuesday, Jan. 16, designed to familiarize participants with the code of wilderness enthusiasts.

This year’s introductory workshop will focus on snow physics, route selection evaluating snow stability, beacons, and avalanche phenomenon and rescue techniques. The classes are led by members of Beaver Creek’s elite Ski Patrol team, who volunteer their time to help prepare backcountry skiers, riders and explorers for the winter wilderness experience.

“This is a great class for anyone planning to venture into the backcountry,” said Adam Borg, Beaver Creek Ski Patrol supervisor. “It will provide you with a good introduction to the hazards and unpredictability of wilderness travel and adventure.”

Currently celebrating its fifth season, Beaver Creek’s Avalanche and Backcountry Awareness classes are held two to three times each season, depending upon attendance.

“We really want people to know what they’re getting in to when they head into the backcountry,” added Borg. “We’ve all seen what can happen when someone isn’t prepared. “That’s why we decided to offer this free program—we hope it’s a preventative measure.”

The first Beaver Creek Avalanche and Backcountry Awareness class of the 2000-2001 season will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Avon Public Library. Space is limited and reservations are necessary. Please call (970) 845-6610 for reservations or additional information.

DYBVIG TAKES 2nd AT MONT-TREMBLANT

Mont-Tremblant, Canada (Jan. 12, 2001) - U.S. Freestyle Team skier Evan Dybvig (Tunbridge, VT) continued his recent World Cup success by finishing second in a moguls event Friday at Mt. Tremblant. World Cup points leader Janne Lahtela of Finland took the win while Kari Traa, Lahtela's Norwegian counterpart, won on the women's side.

Lahtela recorded his second World Cup win of the season with a score of 27.85. Dybvig continued his string of second place finishes with a score of 27.74 and France's Cedric Regnier-Lafforgue was third, recording a 26.70. Ryan Riley (Steamboat Springs, CO) nailed a 25.97 to finish fifth.

It was Dybvig's fifth straight second place finish. His most recent was just five days ago at the Gateway Freestyle Challenge World Cup at Deer Valley, Utah, an event he finished second in last season as well. Dybvig now has five second place World Cup finishes for his career dating back to the '95 season at Breckenridge.

"I'm definitely happy being on the podium, but I would really love to win one of these days," said Dybvig. "I really need to stick my runs. I need to have a flawless, perfect run (to win a World Cup). When you're tall (6-4), any mistake you make is amplified. Also, I'm not a little guy, so I ski differently than smaller people. I have a different style."

Dybvig said that his height was actually an advantage Friday as the moguls were spread far apart. He was able to utilize his stature to absorb the bumps more and look smoother.

Dybvig again proved that he is one of the most progressive bump skiers in the world as he pulled a clean 720 (two rotations) off the top kicker. He is the only competitor that incorporates that trick into his runs. On the bottom jump, Dybvig threw down a helicopter mute grab. It was the same run that earned him second at Deer Valley.

The win for Lahtela helped him retain his World Cup lead as he also won the season opener at Tignes, France and was third at Deer Valley. Lahtela leads fellow countryman Mikko Ronkainen 292-256. Dybvig currently sits in third with 224 points.

Traa, who also won at Tignes and was second at Deer Valley, won with a score of 25.68. Canadian Jennifer Heil was second (25.58) and Austrian Margarita Marbler was third (24.80).

The top American woman was Jillian Vogtli (Park City, UT), who placed 11th with a score of 23.61. Hannah Hardaway (Moultonborough, NH), who picked up her first career World Cup win at Deer Valley last weekend, finished 13th.

Traa leads the World Cup standings with 296 points. Heil is second with 256 and France's Katleen Allais is third with 248 points. Hardaway is the top U.S. woman in ninth with 176 points.

Conditions at Mt. Tremblant were exceptional Friday. The sun was out all day with temperatures in the high teens and the wind was non-existent.

The mogul skiers will now prepare for the World Championships, which run Jan. 17-21 at Whistler, British Columbia.

"I want to go up there (Whistler) and hope I feel confident," said Dybvig, who was seventh in moguls at the '97 Worlds in Nagano, Japan. "If I can ski as well as I have been all year, I should have a good chance to come out of there in the top three."

The Mt. Tremblant World Cup continues Saturday with the season's fourth aerials competition.

MEN
1. Janne Lahtela (Finland), 27.85)
2. Evan Dybvig (Tunbridge, Vermont), 27.74
3. Cedric Regnier-Lafforgue (France), 26.70
4. Stephane Rochon (Canada), 26.45
5. Ryan Riley (Steamboat Springs, Colo.), 25.97
6. Ryan Johnson (Canada), 25.88
7. Mikko Ronkainen (Finland), 25.39
8. Laurent Niol (France), 25.01
9. Jim Schiman (Canada), 24.12
10. Richard Gay (France), 23.63
11. Stian Overa (Norway), 8.34
12. Kornelius Hole-Drange (Norway), 3.97

Did Not Qualify for Finals
16. Garth Hager (Bothell, Wash.), 24.30
22. Toby Dawson (Vail, Colo.), 23.09
26. Caleb Martin (Telluride, Colo.), 22.60
48. Luke Westerlund (Scarsdale, New York), 6.48
DNS Alex Wilson (Buffalo, New York)

WOMEN
1. Kari Traa (Norway), 25.68
2. Jennifer Heil (Canada), 25.58
3. Margarita Marbler (Austria), 24.80
4. Katleen Allais (France), 24.69
5. Maria Despas (Austria), 24.33
6. Rachel Belliveau (Canada), 24.09
7. Elena Vorona (Russia), 24.08
8. Minna Karhu (Finland), 23.90
9. Corinne Bodmer (Switzerland), 23.73
10. Aiko Uemura (Japan), 23.64
11. Jillian Vogtli (Park City, Utah), 23.61
12. Jennifer Simm (Canada), DNS

Did Not Qualify for Finals
13. Hannah Hardaway (Moultonborough, New Hampshire), 23.23
17. Shannon Bahrke (Tahoe City, Calif.), 22.41
18. Donna Weinbrecht (Killington, Vermont), 22.22
28. Michelle Roark (Golden, Colo.), 20.84

KEYSTONE UNVEILS MOUNTAIN WATCH TEAM FOR SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

Keystone, CO (Jan. 12, 2001) - Skiers and snowboarders enrolled in lessons Jan. 13-19 at Keystone Resort will learn more than just how to snowplow or perfect parallel turns. They’ll also learn the code – “Your Responsibility Code.”

Keystone will celebrate National Safety Awareness Week Jan. 13-19 with special ski and snowboard school safety seminars, a Kids’ Poster Contest, on-mountain Know the Code trivia contests, ski patrol presentations at local schools and much more. Members of ski patrol, along with the new Mountain Watch team, will educate guests and unveil their new program.

“This week is an opportunity to showcase our safety programs and increase awareness of the Responsibility Code to thousands of skiers and snowboarders,” said Jeff Hill, ski patrol director at Keystone. “We care about the safety of our skiers and snowboarders. That’s why we’ve undertaken a fun and comprehensive schedule of events, seminars and activities.”

This year, Keystone has a new responsibility team comprised of ski patrol, a new guest services department and a new Mountain Watch team. “Our ski patrol is the core of our program,” said Hank Thiess, vice president of resort operations. “With patrol’s professionalism and expertise and a guest-focused approach, we feel we have one of the strongest and most comprehensive programs in the industry.”

Every day of the week, ski patrol and members of the Mountain Watch team are positioned at various points around the mountain to provide increased speeder-control presence and educate guests about Your Responsibility Code.

According to Hill, the resort has placed large banners at the entrance of beginner trails and at the intersections of trails to remind people they’re entering a slow zone. Silverspoon and Schoolmarm, two beginner runs on the front side of Keystone Mountain, have been designated as slow zones.

“It’s similar to when you’re driving in your car and you enter a school zone that has a lower speed limit,” Hill said. “In our slow zones, there are a lot of kids and also a lot of beginner skiers and boarders. That’s why there are reduced speed limits on these trails.”

According to Roxanne Fairchild, manager of guest services and the new Mountain Watch team, the main task of ski patrol and Mountain Watch is to remind people to slow down in these areas and ski in control. “Our primary focus is educating skiers and snowboarders,” she said. “But, it’s important for people to realize it’s ultimately their responsibility to always ski in control, yield when entering a trail and adhere to the five other tenets of the Responsibility Code.”

If they don’t, Hill said, skiers and snowboarders get a warning or, in some cases, lose their lift ticket or season pass. Once a ski patroller or Mountain Watch team members has clipped or pulled a pass, the information is entered into a database and may be tracked throughout the season.

“It’s a last resort for us,” Hill said about pulling passes. “We want people to know when they’re doing something wrong. But, we also want to let them know when they’re doing something right. There will be times when we signal to a skier or snowboarder to just say thanks for helping us do our job.”

Like Vail and Beaver Creek’s Yellow Jackets crew, Keystone’s Mountain Watch team members will don yellow coats this year, he said. “We want to be more visible on the hill. So far this season, we’ve had a very strong presence on the slopes, and more importantly, we’ve been very successful at educating skiers and snowboarders.”

According to Hill, the resort will not tolerate any violations of the Colorado Ski Safety Act or any skier or snowboarder who endangers themselves or others.

To celebrate Safety Awareness Week, Keystone’s ski patrollers will visit ski school classes throughout the week and also present safety seminars to local students. Guest services will also help to educate skiers and snowboarders with on-mountain safety trivia contests. “Also, look for free helmet demos, free safety checks and free safety craft night for kids,” Fairchild said. “Our goal is to promote a fun and safe experience on the slopes.”

LEXUS TOMBA CHALLENGE RETURNS TO VAIL

Vail, CO (Jan. 12, 2001) - On January 26-28, the Lexus Tomba Challenge presented by Rossignol, featuring ski racing legend Alberto Tomba, returns to Vail, with proceeds from the event benefiting Ski Club Vail, the local non-profit ski education foundation. Once again, participants will vie to beat Tomba’s time and drive home in a new Lexus RX300.

Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to come out and race while supporting a good local cause. Over the past two years, Lexus and Rossignol, along with local ski clubs, have helped raise over $400,000 for various ski-related charities; event organizers hope to raise even more this year. According to Keith Dahl, Lexus National Merchandising Manager, “We invite locals and visitors alike to participate in this great event; the focus for Lexus is to enhance ski programs across the nation through these efforts.”

The racing format begins with team time-trials and individual events. With Tomba’s time to beat as the goal, individual racers give it their best shot by schussing down a Giant Slalom course. The winner of each category (junior, men’s and women’s) then has the opportunity to race head-to-head with Alberto Tomba at the end of the day. The fastest skier who beats Tomba’s time on the course will drive home in a Motor Trend’s 1999 SUV of the year, the new Lexus RX 300.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to contribute to future ski champions,” said Alberto Tomba. “It gives me great pleasure to give back to the world of skiing through this incredible event.”

For additional information, or for team and individual registration, contact participating ski areas as follows: Stratton (803) 297-1886; Taos Ski Valley (505) 776-2291; Deer Valley (435) 647-7778; Vail (303) 733-4081.

WACHUSETT MT. TO LAUNCH "SCIENCE ON THE SLOPES" EDUCATION PROGRAM

Princeton, MA (Jan. 12, 2001) - Wachusett Mountain Ski Area yesterday announced the creation of an innovative outreach program to help increase public awareness of the role that science and nature play in people's lives. The program, called "Science on the Slopes," features an ongoing series of public educational workshops and events at the Princeton, Massachusetts ski resort.

Experts from the Boston Museum of Science, the Mount Washington Observatory and the Massachusetts Division of Forests and Parks will lead a number of the workshops. Topics will include the science behind cold temperatures, mountain weather, animal tracking, winter plant identification and winter hiking safety.

"We are thrilled to create exciting new opportunities for children and families to learn more about nature and the outdoors," said Jeff Crowley, president of Wachusett Mountain Associates, operators of the ski area. "As the highest point in eastern Massachusetts, Wachusett Mountain is a spectacular environment for learning," he added.

The first program in the Science on the Slopes series, however, will take place not on the mountain, but in the city. Wachusett Mountain and snowmaking experts from Snow Station LLC of Natick -- manufacturers of the Backyard Blizzard home snowmaking machines -- will travel to the Boston Museum of Science this Saturday, January 13, so visitors can witness a live demonstration of how snow is made.

"These experts will reach out to educate children and families about the science of snow which will be an exiting and dynamic addition to Wild Weather Day," noted Tamar Sorkin, Community Relations Special Events Coordinator for the Museum of Science.

The Museum of Science will then make the trip to Wachusett Mountain on Wednesday, January 17, to demonstrate for ski area visitors the science behind very cold temperatures.

During the winter, more than 250 local school districts from throughout southern New England send more than 10,000 children each week to Wachusett to learn to ski and snowboard.

"Teaching kids is one of our main missions," explained Crowley. "It is only natural that we use the mountain to help teach about science, the environment and the outdoors."

Science on the Slopes is part of Wachusett's Environmental Leadership Academy, offering environmental education programs on the mountain throughout the year.

ASCUTNEY HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL SKI BALL ON SUNDAY, FEB. 3

Brownsville, VT (Jan. 12, 2001) - Ascutney Mountain Resort announced yesterday that the Second Annual Ascutney Ski Ball will be held Saturday, February 3, with proceeds to benefit the Albert Bridge School in Brownsville, Vermont. Last year’s event raised $10,000 and this year event organizers hope to raise more through the ski ball, raffle tickets and a silent auction. Proceeds from this year’s event will be used to complete the computer lab for the local elementary school students.

"I was overwhelmed at the support and response we received last year from so many sources in the community and beyond," said Susan Plausteiner, CFO and co-owner of Ascutney, and event chairperson. "It is so wonderful to see such a group of diverse people like resort staff, representatives from Albert Bridge, homeowners, community residents, and business leaders come together to support such an important local cause. We hope this year’s ski ball will be even more successful than last season’s!"

The gala begins in the Mountainside Ballroom overlooking the mountain resort at 7 p.m. with a cash bar and tempting hor d'oeuvres, followed by dinner and dancing, with music provided by "The Al Alessi Band " until 11 p.m. Attire for the Ascutney Ski Ball is "Sequins to Sorels" and black tie is optional.

Plausteiner hopes that local businesses and the school community again will show their generous support through the donation of exciting items for the silent auction. The silent auction will be ongoing from 7 - 10 p.m. A gourmet dinner includes: smoked salmon carpaccio appetizer; baby spinach salad with sundried cranberries, mandarin oranges and champagne vinaigrette. The entrée includes a combination of petite filet mignon with peppercorn demiglaze and grilled swordfish drizzled with balsamic reduction, herbed breast of chicken with wild rice stuffing and cranberry pear chutney. Executive Chef Barry Meyers will create his own sinful dessert for all guests to enjoy.

Ascutney Ski Ball organizers are selling raffle tickets to win a trip to Harbor Ridge Resort just minutes from Bar Harbor, ME and Acadia National Park, June 30 - July 7, 2001. Proceeds benefit the local school. The raffle drawing will be held at the Ski Ball at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are being sold through the school, at Brownsville General Store, at the Ascutney Mountain Resort Hotel front desk, and through Plausteiner herself.

Tickets for the First Annual Ascutney Ski Ball are $30/friend, $50/patron and $100/benefactor and include dinner, dancing, and the silent auction. Tickets are limited to the first 200 reservations. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Susan Plausteiner at 802-484-7000.

SKIERS HEAD TO VAIL FOR 2001 U.S. FREESKIING OPEN

Boulder, CO (Jan. 12, 2001) - The world’s premier freeskiers are heading to Vail, Colorado, for the 4th annual U.S. Freeskiing Open, February 8-11. The biggest names in men and women’s freeskiing will be competing for a record $40,000 purse in four disciplines of skiing - Slopestyle, Halfpipe, Big Air and Skiercross.

"The U.S. Open continues to be the focal point for the evolution in skiing," says Michael Jaquet, event creator and Publisher of Freeze magazine. "No other on-snow event carries the energy, passion, and dreams of its participants more than the Open."

Over 200 of the world’s top freeskiers from all over the world are expected to compete including: J.P. Auclair, Vincent Dorion, Shane Szocs, J.F. Cusson, Shane McConkey, Evan Raps and many more.

The Open, which features the biggest names and the largest cash prizes in skiing, will have the most extensive television coverage of any skiing event. Four hours of programming will appear on ESPN and ESPN2, in addition to coverage on Fox Sports Network, Outdoor Life Network and international programs.

The U.S. Freeskiing Open will feature the first major skiing-specific halfpipe competition in the world. "It is unfortunate that the X-Games has decided to keep both Slopestyle and Halfpipe for skiers out of their event," says Shane Szocs, top freeskier, ESPN commentator, and High North Camp director. "But that just goes to show you how progressive and important the Open continues to be each year, by reacting to the trends happening at the core of skiing."

Men’s and Women's Slopestyle will commence with qualifying on Thursday and the finals on Friday. On a 5,000-yard course with different shaped jumps and metal rails competitors will be judged on their overall run; including style and difficulty of tricks, landings, and fluidity of the run. Qualifying for Men's and Women's Halfpipe will occur as part of the Kahlua Halfpipe Jam Series on Friday afternoon with the finals scheduled for noon on Saturday.

The marquee event, Men's Big Air, will be held Saturday night under the lights at the base of Gold Peak. The nighttime Big Air provides the best atmosphere to see absolutely the newest and most exciting tricks done on skis, complete with fireworks at the end. Skiers will compete head-to-head with judges choosing a winner after each competitor throws down their best trick.

On Sunday, the Men's and Women’s Skiercross will be held. Five skiers race at once down the same course that includes jumps, banked turns, and tight quarters. The top two skiers across the finish line move on until a final race of five determines the winner.

Freeskiing is the term used for "new-school" skiing which has become an industry-wide movement to attract teenagers to skiing. The U.S. Freeskiing Open is known as the birthplace of this movement, having launched the careers of the top names in skiing and some of the top names in the "Adrenaline Sports Culture" which includes sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, motocross and BMX.

KOSIR AND RUBY CLAIM PSL WINS

Schoenried, Switzerland (Jan. 11, 2001) - Despite rainy conditions, the Schoenried snowboard World Cup finished up Thursday as Slovenian Dejan Kosir and France's Karine Ruby picked up victories in the season's third parallel slalom race.

Kosir recorded his third parallel podium appearance in parallel events this season by defeating Austrian Andreas Prommegger and Swedes Daniel Biveson and Richard Richardsson in the early rounds. He took out Canadian powerhouse Jasey Jay Anderson in the finals.

"I trained a lot during Christmas and New Year's so I was a bit tired last weekend," said Kosir. "Today, I had my tactics. At the first three gates on the pitch, I was very high and maybe even a bit behind at that point, but then I could let it run to control my rivals until the finish. That was the key."

France's Nicolas Huet finished behind Anderson in third and Richardsson ended up fourth. U.S. Snowboard Team racer Anton Pogue (Hood River, OR) was the top American, finishing 31st.

In the women's race, Ruby struggled a bit, but regained her composure to defeat Austrian Nina Schlegel in the finals.

"I had a lot of problems to find the right rhythm in the early final, but I was lucky at some points also," said Ruby, who leads the parallel standings. "I didn't expect it to be really bad in slalom, so I was quite confident. The slope was much more difficult to ride this morning because it changed a lot, but I stayed calm and worked it out."

Finishing behind Schlegel, the junior world champion, was German Heidi Renoth in third and Italian Margherita Parini in fourth. Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK), who won a parallel slalom in Kreischberg, Austria Sunday, was again the top American finisher in sixth. Fletcher sits in second on the World Cup parallel points list behind Ruby.

Racers claimed the course became fairly soft as light rain fell during the qualification rounds, but organizers worked overtime on the hill to ensure adequate conditions for the finals.

Coming up next on the World Cup tour is a pair of snowboardcross events, scheduled for Jan. 13-14 at Avoriaz-Morzine, France. The circuit then moves on to Olang, Italy Jan. 17-19 before the World Championships kick off Jan. 22-28 at Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

MEN
1. Dejan Kosir, Slovenia
2. Jasey Jay Anderson, Canada
3. Nicolas Huet, France
4. Richard Richardsson, Sweden
5. Markus Ebner, Germany
6. Felix Stadler, Austria
7. Dieter Krassnig, Austria
8. Daniel Biveson, Sweden
9. Walter Feichter, Italy
10. Mathieu Bozzetto, France
11. Thomas Bourgault, France; Stefan Kaltshuetz, Austria
13. Andreas Prommeggar, Austria
14. Guillaume Sachot, France
15. Roland Fischnaller, Italy; Mathieu Chiquet, France

Did Not Qualify for Finals
31. Anton Pogue, Hood River, OR
40. Chris Klug, Aspen, CO
51. Adam Smith, Bend, OR
54. Peter Thorndike, Meredith, NH
59. Eric Warren, Bennington, VT
DNF Jeff Greenwood, Hartford, CT

WOMEN
1. Karine Ruby, France
2. Nina Schlegel, Austria
3. Heidi Renoth, Germany
4. Margherita Parini, Italy
5. Carmen Ranigler, Italy
6. Rosey Fletcher, Girdwood, AK
7. Birgit Herbert, Austria
8. Sara Fischer, Sweden
9. Claudia Riegler, Austria
10. Marion Posch, Italy
11. Aasa Windahl, Sweden
12. Anna Kaltiainen, Finland
13. Isabelle Blanc, France
14. M. Kirchgasser-Pichle, Austria
15. Lidia Trettel, Italy
16. Manuela Riegler, Austria

Did Not Qualify for Finals
26. Lisa Kosglow, Boise, ID
29. Sondra Van Ert, Ketchum, ID
30. Stacia Hookom, Edwards, CO
32. Erin O'Malley, Mammoth Lakes, CA
35. Lynn Ott, Bend, OR
46. Elisabeth Odynski, Reno, NV

WADSWORTH IN BEST U.S. FINISH SINCE 1984

Soldier Hollow, UT (Jan. 10, 2001) - Justin Wadsworth (Bend, OR), given a boost when his girlfriend finished fourth in the morning race, started fast and kept it up Wednesday to finish eighth in a mass-start, World Cup 30-km freestyle race on Day One of the Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival on the 2002 Olympic nordic venues - the best U.S. result by any cross country racer since 1984.

Defending World Cup champion Johann Muehlegg of Spain reclaimed the lead with just over a kilometer to go and went on to edge Austrian Christian Hoffmann by 10 seconds in the 30-km with a time of 1:11.12.7. Germany's Rene Sommerfeldt was third, another minute back.

Wadsworth, a two-time Olympian whose best previous finish was 24th in the 1997 World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, jumped into the front group and stayed there for the best U.S. result since Jim Galanes was fifth in Murmansk in the old Soviet Union in March 1984. The 1994 and '98 Olympian was timed in 1:13.54.2 with Andrew Johnson (Greensboro, VT) 25th in 1:16.12.2 and Rob Whitney (Anchorage, AK) 29th in 1:17.20.7. They are the first World Cup points for Johnson and Whitney, and mark the first time three U.S. skiers scored World Cup points in the same race since December 1991.

He was racing on a new pair of (Atomic) skis. Wadsworth lost 13 pairs of skis on a flight home from Canada last month, and he received the new skis Tuesday; "I don't think they had five Ks on 'em," he said. He was stiff at the end of the race, he said, and planned to possibly take some time in the hot mineral pools where the Ski Team is staying, at The Homestead in nearby Midway.

"I just skied relaxed. I didn't worry about where I was the first couple of Ks," Wadsworth said. "I knew I could work the downhills because I've just done this course so many times and that's my strength, and I was actually picking up a lot of people on the downhills. I just got in it, and then the last two laps were step by step. I had to focus every stride. I couldn't think about the result - everyone was yelling, 'Eighth place,' or whatever and I had to stay within myself because I was at the limit…but the crowd was so unreal today.

"Honestly, in a normal race maybe I couldn't have hung in there because the last hill it was all I could do to move my legs. The crowd was pumping, Gordon [Lang, former U.S. coach] was yelling at me down at the bottom of the hill. It was awesome.

And did he get a pick-me-up when Beckie Scott of Canada, his girlfriend, finished fourth in the women's pursuit a couple of hours earlier? "That made me so happy and so relaxed. I wasn't even worried about my race. I was so relaxed this morning, mainly because of her result. I was so psyched for Beckie that no matter what happened to me it was going to be a good day…and now it's even better," he said.

The Nordic Ski Festival, which has attracted skiers from nearly 20 nations to sample the 2002 Olympic layout, continues Saturday with the men's 15-km classic race and the women's 4x5-km relay. It concludes Sunday with the sprint events.

BUDERUS WORLD CUP CROSS COUNTRY
Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival
Soldier Hollow, UT - Jan. 10
Men's mass-start, 30-km FR
1. Johann Muehlegg, Spain, 1:11.12.7
2. Christian Hoffmann, Austria, 1:11.23.4
3. Rene Sommerfeldt, Germany, 1:12.35.5
4. Ron Spanuth, Germany, 1:12.58.1
5. Christian Zorzi, Italy, 1:13.26.3
6. Pietro Piller Cottrer, Italy, 1:13.26.9
7. Fulvio Valbusa, Italy, 1:13.27.2
8. Justin Wadsworth, Bend, Ore., 1:13.54.2
9. Giorgio DiCenta, Italy, 1:14.02.7
10. Mikhail Botvinov, Austria, 1:14.09.4
11. Gerhard Urain, Austria, 1:14.12.5
12. Fabio Maj, Italy, 1:14.18.3
13. Achim Walcher, Austria, 1:14.52.5
14. Ivan Batory, Slovakia, 1:14.59.6
15. Markus Hasler, Liechtenstein, 1:15.07.9
-
25. Andrew Johnson, Greenboro, Vt., 1:16.12.2
29. Rob Whitney, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:17.20.7
31. Carl Swenson, Boulder, Colo., 1:17.57.9
37. Marc Gilbertson, Hyde Park, Vt., 1:18.51.5
38. Patrick Weaver, Lenox, Mass., 1:18.51.7
44. Justin Freeman, Andover, N.H., 1:21.13.1
48. James Southam, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:24.40.9
-
DNF: Marcus Nash, Fryeburg, Maine; Nathan Schultz, Boulder, Colo.; Cory Smith, Littleton, N.H.; and Chris Klein, Utica, N.Y.

Buderus Cross Country World Cup
Men (9 races)
1. Per Elofsson, Sweden, 345
2. Muehlegg, 312
3. Tor Arne Hetland, Norway, 279
4. Thomas Alsgaard, Norway, 273
5. Valbusa, 248
6. (tie) Zorzi and Vincent Vittoz, France, 210 each
8. Jan Jacob Verdenius, Norway, 197
9. Piller Cottrer, 196
10. Odd-Bjorn Hjelmeset, Norway, 186
11. Kristen Skjeldal, Norway, 184
12. DiCenta, 179
13. Frode Estil, Norway, 170
14. Hoffmann, 161
15. Mika Myllylae, 147
-
51. Wadsworth, 32
84. Johnson, 6
95. Whitney, 2

CAREER BEST FOR NINA KEMPPEL

Soldier Hollow, UT (Jan. 10, 2001) - Nina Kemppel (Anchorage, AK) hung-up her second straight career-best World Cup result Wednesday, finishing 14th in a cross country "pursuit" that opened the two-week Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival on the 2002 Olympic Nordic venues.

Katerina Neumannova of the Czech Republic collected her first World Cup win in two years as she stormed during the 5-km freestyle "pursuit" from 12.1 seconds back after the 5-km classic race at Soldier Hollow to win in a total time of 25:31.2. Gabriella Paruzzi of Italy reached her first podium after more than a decade of World Cup racing, finishing second in 25:38.5 with teammate Stefania Belmondo third (25:39.6). Canadian Beckie Scott finished fourth with Julia Tchepalova, the World Cup leader and the only Russian skier here, fifth and Bente Skari Martinsen of Norway, who won the 5-km classic race that started the two-part race, in seventh place.

Kemppel, who was 16th in a 15-km classic race in Davos, Switzerland, before Christmas, was 16th in the 5-km CL portion of the two-part race and finished with a time of 27:25.2. Sarah Konrad (Laramie, WY) was 37th in her World Cup debut with Wendy Wagner (Park City, UT) 41st.

"Today's race I was a better skater than classic [skier]. I guess it just goes to show what I've always been saying, 'I can skate when I feel okay," Kempel said. "I felt much better in the skating race and I just tried to get behind some good skiers, stay relaxed and about halfway through I thought, 'Hey, I've got something to give,' so I picked it up a bit…but that last hill took that out of me…

Two inches of wet snow during the night created more of a nuisance problem than anything serious, she said.

"I'm definitely pleased with it. Of course, you know you always want the Russians here when you get your first top-15, and that's a little sad, but one wise ski coach once told me, 'Take it when you can get it.' Still, I think I would've been in there; I skied well today," Kemppel said. "And it was a great day for North American skiing today with Beckie getting fourth. That's an inspiration because I know I can ski with Beckie and I hope I can be there before too long."

Tchepalova was the only Russian to get a visa, officials said. She apparently already had a visa while the rest of the team applied too late to make the trip.

BUDERUS WORLD CUP CROSS COUNTRY
Visa U.S. Nordic Ski Festival
Soldier Hollow, UT - Jan. 10
Women's Pursuit (5-km CL/5-km FR)
1. Katerina Neumannova, Czech Republic, 25:31.2
2. Gabriella Paruzzi, Italy, 25:38.5
3. Stefania Belmondo, Italy, 25:39.6
4. Beckie Scott, Canada, 25:42.5
5. Kristina Smigun, Estonia, 25:47.6
6. Julia Tchepalova, Russia, 25:54.1
7. Bente Skari-Martinsen, Norway, 26:07.1
8. Sabina Valbusa, Italy, 26:47.8
9. Irina Terelia, Ukraine, 26:55.9
10. Brigitte Albrecht-Loretan, Switzerland, 27:13.4
11. Cristina Paluselli, Italy, 27:13.7
12. Claudia Kuenzel, Germany, 27:19.0
13. Manuela Henkel, Germany, 27:22.2
14. Nina Kemppel, Anchorage, Alaska, 27:25.2
15. Sara Renner, Canada, 27:30.1
-
37. Sarah Konrad, Laramie, Wyo., 29:31.2
41. Wendy Wagner, Park City, Utah, 29:49.5
-
DNF: Christa Case, Grass Valley, Calif.

Buderus Cross Country World Cup
Women (9 races)
1. Tchepalova, 502
2. Skari-Martinsen, 496
3. Belmondo, 442
4. Neumannova, 392
5. Larissa Lazhutina, Russia, 337
6. Pirjo Manninen, Finland, 330
7. Smigun, 293
8. Paruzzi, 284
9. Nina Gavriljuk, Russia, 248
10. Olga Danilova, Russia, 216
11. Sabina Valbusa, Italy, 190
12. Kaisa Varis, Finland, 180
13. Ljubov Egorova, Russia, 176
14. Olga Zavjalova, Russia, 169
15. Virpi Kuitunen, Finland, 147
-
31. Kemppel 46

VAN ERT TAKES 3rd AT SCHOENRIED GS

Schoenried, Switzerland (Jan. 10, 2001) - At the Snowboard World Cup season's second, and last, giant slalom race of the season, Austrian Stefan Kaltschuetz and Italian Marion Posch were victorious on the Horneggli course. U.S. Snowboard Team racer Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID) was on the podium in third place.

Like so many other European resorts, Schoenried has struggled with less than adequate snow conditions this season, but the organizers put maximum effort into grooming an exciting course for the season's final GS.

Posch won with a two-run time of 1:46.62, surprising since she was in seventh following the first run. France's Nathalie Desmares was second in 1:46.67 and Van Ert was just behind in 1:46.74.

Van Ert, who won last season's race at Schoenried, led after the opening run with a time of 51.87. Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK), who won a parallel slalom Sunday in Austria, was just behind Van Ert with a 52.22, but faltered in the second run and ended up finishing 14th.

For Van Ert, it was her first World Cup podium of the season. She won a Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix GS at Okemo Mt., VT on Dec. 18, but her last World Cup podium was the win in Schoenried on Jan. 19 of last season.

"I never like to move back in the standings," Van Ert said. "It was just challenging and it was hard to stay on top of it. I knew a lot of the others had problems and whenever you get such a message, you start thinking about what's wrong out there. I also knew that there was at least one who didn't have any problems, so at least I wanted to try."

Kaltshuetz took the win with a two-run time of 1:36.48 and was followed by Swede Stephen Copp in 1:37.44. France's Nicolas Huet and Sweden's Daniel Biveson rounded out the podium, tying for third with times of 1:37.79.

The victory for Kaltshuetz was the result of his blazing second run time of 48.81, the only time below 49 seconds and over a full second better than Copp's 49.84. Copp, who won last season's GS in Schoenried, looked he was going to repeat as he led after the first run by .07 over Kaltschuetz. However, Copp couldn't measure up to Kaltschuetz in the second run and he gave the Austrian his first World Cup win of the season.

"I'm super happy with today's result," said Kaltschuetz, last year's World Cup GS champion said. "It's just a shame that it was the last race this year. It went perfect today and that's great, especially with regard to the World Championships in two weeks time."

American Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) was the top American man as he finished tied for sixth with Austrian Alexander Maier (1:38.07). Ian Price (Manchester Center, VT) also finished in the top-20, tying for 12th with another Austrian, Harald Walder, each with a time of 1:39.29.

January 11-20, 2001

INDEX

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