Ski Press Releases and News Flashes

Whistler (BC), Canada (Feb. 28, 2001) - Olympic champion Picabo Street (Park City, UT) took another major step forward Wednesday in her comeback, winning an Ingle Nor Am downhill at Whistler Mountain, while Marco Sullivan (Tahoe City, CA) won the men's race by nearly a half-second.

Street, who has said her major need as she comes back after more than two years on the sidelines with multiple leg injuries following her 1998 Olympic super G victory is "more starts, more time in a start gate and on-course," won in 1:51.45. Second place went to Suki Horton Anchorage, AK) in 1:54.65 with Tatum Skoglund (Bellevue, WA) third at 1:55.16.

Sullivan, who won a Chevy Truck Super Series downhill two weeks ago on the 2002 Olympic course at Utah's Snowbasin, finished in 1:45.57. Canadian World Cup veteran Kevin Wert, who won the 1994 World Juniors DH title at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, finished second in 1:46.03. Third was Wade Bishop (Winter Park, CO) with a time of 1:46.72.

INGLE NOR AM DOWNHILL
Whistler, BC - Feb. 28
Men
1. Marco Sullivan, Tahoe City, Calif., 1:45.57
2. Kevin Wert, Canada, 1:46.03
3. Wade Bishop, Winter Park, Colo., 1:46.72
4. Andre Horton, Ancorae, Alaska, 1:47.18
<5. J.J. Johnson, Park City, Utah, 1:47.19
-
Women
1. Picabo Street, Park City, Utah, 1:51.45
2. Suki Horton, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:54.65
3. Tatum Skoglund, Bellevue, Wash., 1:55.16
4. Brett Buckles, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 1:55.43
5. Crystal Wright, Wilson, Wyo., 1:55.56

PETZOLD INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON

Park City, UT (Feb. 28, 2001) - U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerialist Brenda Petzold (Andover, MA) will miss the remainder of the '01 season after fracturing her right clavicle in a training accident.

Petzold fractured the collarbone Feb. 27 while training in Lake Placid, New York. She was originally treated by Dr. Brad Stephens in Lake Placid. The injury is stable and Petzold has her right arm in a sling. She should be back training this spring.

The season had been successful for Petzold as she recorded five top-10 results on the World Cup tour. She had a career-best fourth to open the season at Mt. Buller, Australia and followed that with a fifth at Blackcomb, British Columbia.

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN ANNOUNCES $199 SEASON PASS

McCall, ID (Feb. 28, 2001) - Brundage Mountain Resort announced yesterday that a limited number of season passes will be offered at the deeply discounted price of $199.

“Brundage Mountain is proud of it’s reputation for friendly, uncrowded slopes so we are limiting the number of new $199 season passes to 5000.” said Judd DeBoer, President. “Until further expansion can take place, we are guarding against overcrowding”, he continued. “The sale begins Thursday, March 1st and will continue until April 30, or until 5000 new $199 passes are sold,” said DeBoer.

In addition to the $199 season pass, family season passes will be offered at $799 through April 30. A season pass for children 7 to 11 years costs $49 any time. Seniors 70 years and better can get lift tickets for free at the ticket window, or purchase a season pass for $49 at any time.

Season passes purchased under this program are valid for the rest of this winter, all summer for mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides, and through the 2001-2002 winter season. In addition, many businesses are providing add-on benefits to all Brundage Mountain season pass holders.

“We are aware of Brundage Mountain’s importance to the Central Idaho economy”, said DeBoer. “We are happy to help make skiing more affordable for everyone."

Season passes may be purchased by phone or on the mountain. Call toll-free: (800) 888-7544 or (888) 889-8320.

BOLTON VALLEY HOSTS TELEMARK FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

Bolton Valley, VT (Feb. 28, 2001) - In keeping with Bolton Valley's longstanding back country and Nordic skiing heritage, the resort will be offering a "Tele"rific Time this Sunday, March 4th.

For just $35 for rentals and lift tickets or $20 for a lift ticket only, freeheel skiers will be treated to free equipment demos, free lessons, backcountry tours of Bolton's 5200 acres of varied terrain (some with free shuttle buses back), and general "half a binding, half a brain" fun.

Telemark skiers will "take over" one of the area's ski lifts, and be treated to a party in the sports center afterwards featuring Vermont microbrews from Kross brewery in Stowe. Call Pete Little in the Nordic center for more information at (802) 434-3444, or visit Bolton Valley's website at www.boltonvalleyvt.com.

WATERVILLE VALLEY GEARS UP FOR U.S. FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Waterville Valley, NH (Feb. 28, 2001) - Waterville Valley Resort is gearing up for the arrival of the US Freestyle Ski Team and the 2001 Chevy Truck U.S. Freestyle Championships to be held March 16 -18. This is the first time, since 1983 that the resort has hosted this national competition, which will consist of moguls on Friday, March 16 (Lower Bobby's), aerials on Saturday, March 17 (Phil's Hill), and dual moguls on Sunday, March 18 (Lower Bobby's).

This is the last major competition of the season before the athletes start to prepare for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Reigning U.S. Mogul Champions Evan Dybvig (Tunbridge, VT) and Hannah Hardaway (Moultonborough, NH) along with U.S. Aerial Champions Eric Bergoust (Missoula, MT) and Kelly Hilliman (Tonawanda, NY) will be defending their titles as the best Americans in their sport. Olympic mogul gold medalists Jonny Moseley (Tiburon, CA) and Donna Weinbrecht (Killington, VT), who returned to international competition this season, also will compete.

The U.S. Championships also matches annually the best world-class U.S. Ski Team competitors with hundreds of aspiring American athletes vying for a spot on the national team and a chance to train for future Olympics.

In March 1971, Waterville Valley made freestyle history when it hosted the first ever organized freestyle competition entitled "National Championship of Exhibition Skiing." The action took place on True Grit where more than 2,000 spectators showed up and witnessed the birth of a new sport soon to be known as freestyle skiing. The event consisted of one run in which competitors first skied through a group of natural moguls, then caught air off man-made jumps, and lastly, came to a flat to show-off ballet moves.

The award-winning Waterville Valley BBTS Ski Club has has a rich history of sending athletes to the U.S. Ski Team, including '98 Olympic aerialist gold medalist Nikki Stone and current U.S. Team members Britt Swartly (Blue Bell, PA), Kate Reed (Montrose, CO) and Corey Hacker (Buffalo, NY), all of whom trained at Waterville. Up and coming stars of the program this year, hoping to compete in this year's Championships are brothers Tim and Wes Preston (Campton, NH), Mike Macomber (Andover, MA), Dan McQuillan (Mattapoisett, MA), Kate Bodzioch (Dunstable, MA), Christina Craddock (W. Newton, MA), Sarah Ratcliffe (Simsbury, CT), and Hannah Kearney (Norwich, VT).

"It's a great acknowledgment of our club and our program, that the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association chose us to host U.S. Championships," said Nick Preston, WVBBTS Freestyle Program Director. "There's a lot of history here at Waterville Valley, and we're excited to show it off."

BUD LIGHT BOARDERFEST AND CLASSIC CAR GIVEAWAY SCHEDULED AT KILLINGTON

Killington, VT (Feb. 28, 2001) - Killington Resort, Vermont will host the second to last stop of this season's 5th annual Bud Light BoarderFest tour, Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11. From halfpipe and ridercross competition to an after-dark Boeri Big Air Invitational, snowboarders and spectators alike will find a weekend stacked with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. Competitors and spectators can also earn a chance to drive home a new car (new to them at least).

It all kicks off on March 10 with the halfpipe competition in Killington's monster Superpipe near Killington Base Lodge. Registration is from 7:30 - 9 a.m. in the lodge. Competition in the Superpipe is from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. As the evening settles in, theBoeri Big Air Invitational will start at the Freestyle Jump, also near the base lodge, and the evening will conclude with a huge fireworks display.

On Sunday, riders will drop into the Palmer Ridercross course at Bear Mountain, which will feature the head-to- head action of five riders at a time racing against each other to see who can make it down the hill the fastest. Registration for Sunday's competition is from 8 - 9:30 a.m. in the Bear Mountain Base Lodge, and competition begins on Lower Dream Maker at 11 a.m.

The highlight of the weekend is the classic car giveaway. One lucky winner will drive away with a 1970 flaming red Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible. For a chance to win, competitors and spectators simply need to ask around all weekend for a raffle ticket. Anyone with a valid lift ticket for Saturday and/or Sunday is eligible to win. After the Ridercross on Sunday, an awards ceremony will be held at approximately 4 p.m. in the Bear Mountain Base Lodge. Prizes and the classic car will be awarded. Car winner must be present to win.

The cost for the event is $40/event for amateurs ($30 for season pass holders), and $50 for pros, and includes a lift ticket for that day. For more information call 802-422-1700 or visit Killington's website at www.killington.com.

STEVE YOUNG SKI CLASSIC AT SNOWBIRD SATURDAY

Snowbird, UT (Feb. 28, 2001) - Steve Young and nearly a dozen current and former NFL players will gather at Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort Saturday, March 3, to raise money for the Snowbird Adaptive Sports Program.

Lee Johnson (Patriots), Gary Plummer (49ers), Bart Oates (49ers), and Mark Tresman (Cardinals) are among the NFL stars who will join the former Super Bowl MVP and Brigham Young quarterback in the 15th Annual Steve Young Ski Classic. Olympic gold medalist Nikki Stone and World Champion monoskier Sarah Will as well as local media celebrities also will be on hand.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Snowbird's Gad Valley, the NFL stars will ski against children and adults who participate in the Adaptive Sports Program. Corporate teams also will be racing head-to-head. There is no charge to watch this event, accessed from Snowbird Entry 1.

The fund-raiser moves to the Cliff Lodge for a 6 p.m. reception and silent auction followed by dinner and a live auction in the ballroom. The program, which will be hosted by Steve Young, the Forever Young Foundation and Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, will include a presentation by the kids of Snowbird Adaptive Sports. The live and silent auctions will include trips with airfare, autographed footballs and jerseys, river raft trips, ski packages, season passes, artwork, antique furniture and more.

Snowbird Adaptive Sports, established by Peter Mandler in 1977, is a non-profit educational foundation providing outdoor recreational activities for children and adults with special needs. With a mission of "Reaching Out to Make a Difference," Snowbird Adaptive Sports reaches 1,600 participants through its year-round programs.

Other football celebrities include Dave Fiore (49ers), John Frank (49ers), Marv Fleming (Packers), Jim Herrmann (Cowboys), Dave Rahn (49ers), Kevin Gogan (49ers), and Mark Bellini (Seahawks).

Tickets for the evening activities, which are $225 per person or $2,250 for a table of 10 are available by calling (801) 933-2188.

BIG MOUNTAIN HONORS LOCAL LEGENDS

Whitefish, MT (Feb. 28, 2001) - The Martin Hale Classic and Don Ross Memorial Races are coming back to Big Mountain on March 3rd and 4th, 2001. The two events are ski school races and only open to ski school program participants. The Martin Hale Classic is scheduled for Saturday, while the Don Ross Memorial Race is slated for Sunday. Both races will be held on the NASTAR Course on Hope Slope off Big Mountain's Tenderfoot chairlift (chair 3). The races will begin at 9:30 AM.

Martin Hale and Don Ross both left an indelible print on Big Mountain. "While at Big Mountain, Martin Hale felt that everybody should have the opportunity to ski," said Arrow Anderson, Director of Big Mountain Ski School. "He felt that skiing was a way to keep families together and kids out of trouble." Martin Hale still visits Big Mountain's slopes on occasion.

In 1994 Don Ross was hired as a Big Mountain Ski Instructor. He brought with him a giant love of people and a passion for skiing. "He had a fiery personality," said Anderson. "He was like a kid when he was up here on the mountain. It was infectious, everyone wanted to be around him."

In 1998, Don Ross was in a car accident that took his life. Although Don Ross was only with the Mountain for a short period of time, his impact was enormous. Due to the Ski School races, NASTAR will be closed to the public for both days.

For information about the Martin Hale Classic or Don Ross Memorial Race, please contact the Big Mountain's Ski School at 406-862-2979 or visit the Web site at www.bigmtn.com.

FAR WEST RACERS MOURNED

Squaw Valley, CA (Feb. 27, 2001) - The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association is mourning the loss of two of its most promising USSA Far West racers. Brendan Allan and Bryan Richmond, both members of the Squaw Valley Ski Team, were killed in an avalanche Thursday. The two racers, both 17, died while skiing in the back country behind the KT22 lift at Squaw.

Both were highly competitive racers who loved to ski -- both on the course and off. They were making the last run of the day when they were caught in a large avalanche triggered by heavy wet snow.

There will be a memorial gathering at The Resort at Squaw Creek, next to Squaw Valley Ski area, Tues., Feb. 27 at 5:00 p.m. In place of floral gifts, the families prefers donations to a newly established trust funds:

The Brendan Allan and Bryan Richmond Memorial Junior Ski Racing Fund
Box 7755
Tahoe City, CA 96145.

"This is a big loss for the families and for our USSA Far West program," said USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt. "These were young men who truly loved skiing and the sport of ski racing."

Both were top-ranked skiers with strong finishes in last year's Junior Olympics (Junior 2 age category). In last year's JO's, Allan finished sixth in super G, seventh in slalom, eighth in downhill, and ninth in giant slalom. Richmond was sixth in downhill and slalom, and seventh in super G. Both were invited to and attended Western Region camps in the summer and fall this season as first-year junior 1 age category racers.

PARK CITY TO HOST SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP THIS WEEK

Park City, UT (Feb. 27, 2001) - The FIS Snowboard World Cup tour makes its lone domestic stop this week as the X Nix Countdown to Gold rolls into Park City Mountain Resort March 1-4. Park City has hosted the event the last three seasons.

It will be the last opportunity for the athletes to check out the venues that will host all of the snowboard events at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The event is also crucial to worldwide nations as they are trying to obtain maximum quota spots for the Olympics.

The World Cup begins Thursday with the halfpipe competition in Park City’s new superpipe, located in Eagle Race Arena. The pipe was shaped by Planet Design’s Pat Malendoski (who has also been retained to build the Olympic superpipe next year) and will be the first time the Countdown to Gold (and the Olympics) has featured a superpipe. The pipe opened to the public in mid-January and has garnered rave reviews.

The superpipe contest should draw a world-class field as the athletes are pumped up to ride the Olympic venue. U.S. Snowboard Team rider Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, CA) won last year’s event and is coming off his first World Cup win of the season Feb. 25 in Asahikawa, Japan. The silver medal winner at this year’s X Games, Czeschin seems to go bigger and bigger each time he drops into a superpipe.

Park City local Ricky Bower, Rob Kingwill (Jackson, WY) and Zach Horwitz (Carbondale, CO), all members of the U.S. Snowboard Team, are scheduled to ride. Olympic bronze medalist Ross Powers (S. Londonderry, VT) will also be on hand to test out the huge transitions in the Park City pipe.

Tricia Byrnes (Stratton Mt., VT), who also won last season’s Countdown to Gold, is ripping this year as she has collected a World Cup victory, two Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix wins and took the season’s first Vans Triple Crown superpipe event.

Byrnes will have plenty of competition to worry about, including ’98 Olympian Michele Taggart (Salem, OR) and Canadian Natasza Zurek, one of the only females to throw inverted 540s in the pipe.

The parallel giant slalom finals will be held Sunday on CB’s Run in Eagle Race Arena. Again, the top riders in the world will compete as the PGS, like the superpipe, is an Olympic discipline. Top U.S. riders include Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK), Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) and Sondra Van Ert (Ketchum, ID).

Fletcher has recorded seven World Cup podium finishes this season, most recently a second in PGS on Feb. 24 in Japan. She currently sits third in the World Cup parallel standings behind Italian Carmen Ranigler and France’s Karine Ruby.

For Klug, a ’98 Olympian, it has been an amazing return to action this year as he had a liver transplant just this past June. He has podiumed in his last two World Cup races and won a parallel giant slalom in Italy back in January.

U.S. Team racer Van Ert owns an impressive career resume and is one of the most experienced racers on the circuit. A ‘98 Olympian, Van Ert finished just off the podium in fourth in a World Cup PGS race in Sapporo, Japan.

Friday night, an exhibition quarterpipe event will be held under the lights at the base of the superpipe. Competitors will launch themselves off the kicker to try for the $3,500 top prize. The field will consist of 18 men and 10 women.

An invitation-only contest, Powers, JJ Thomas (Golden, CO) and Jaime Macleod (Andover, NH) are slated to jump. Thomas won the Grand Prix slopestyle at Okemo Mountain, Vermont, while Macleod won the slopestyle gold at this year’s X Games, as well as the slopestyle at the Okemo Grand Prix.

THREE NAMED TO U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD FOUNDATION BOARD

Park City, UT (Feb. 27, 2001) - Three of America's top corporate leaders -- Honorable Jack Kemp, Founder and Co-Director of Empower America; Ken Lay, Chairman & CEO of Enron, and Jake Burton Carpenter, President & Founder of Burton Snowboards -- were named to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation board of trustees, officials said Monday.

“We are honored to have these three join our board and add their business talents and enthusiasm for snow sports,” said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team President & CEO Bill Marolt. “They bring a great magnitude of expertise that will help us reach our goal of being the best in the world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding. To be to be the best, you need the best, and they are a wonderful addition to those that already serve on our board.”

A professional football star for 13 years, Honorable Jack Kemp is the founder and co-director of Empower America, a Washington-based think tank that focuses on education reform, technology policy, tax reform, social security reform and national defense. Kemp received the Republican Party’s nomination for Vice President in 1996, was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Bush Administration and represented Buffalo, NY as a Congressman for 18 years. Kemp also serves on the boards of several technology companies including Oracle and Proxicom.

Kenneth L. Lay has been chairman and chief executive officer of Enron, one of the world's leading electricity, natural gas and communications companies, since 1986 when Houston Natural Gas and InterNorth, Inc. merged. The company, based in Houston, TX, has revenues of $101 billion. Lay was an officer in the U.S. Navy and Deputy Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Interior. Lay has been named twice by Business Week as one of the “Top 25 Managers” and listed as one of the “Top 50 Best CEOs” by Financial Intelligence. He serves on several boards including Compaq Computer Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company and several nonprofits.

Jake Burton Carpenter is president and founder of Burton Snowboards and is credited with the birth of modern day snowboarding when in 1977 he left Manhattan and started the first snowboard factory from a farm in Vermont. His entrepreneurial spirit lead to Burton Snowboards, an industry leader in snowboard equipment with boards sold in more than 30 countries by approximately 4,000 specialty retail shops. Carpenter's input and interest in athletes has been a key factor in the sport's progression.

Kemp, Lay and Carpenter join other U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation trustees like Michael Bloomberg, President & Founder, Bloomberg Financial Markets; William Esrey, Chairman & CEO, Sprint; Dr. Bob Arnot, Correspondent, NBC News; and Sky Dayton, Founder & Chairman, Earthlink. The board is responsible for directing support of thousands of aspiring world-class skiers and boarders involved in athletic programs of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the national governing body of Olympic skiing and snowboarding.

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation is the non-profit, fund raising arm of the Teams. It was incorporated in 1964 as the 501(c) 3 organization to raise money to support year-round athlete training, development, competition and educational needs. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team receives no federal funding or subsidy moneys and operates solely through the private donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the National Governing Body recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee to develop and prepare U.S. athletes for national and international competition, including the Olympic Games. The vision of USSA is to make the USA the best in world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding, providing development and elite racing programs.

ANGEL FIRE'S NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR ANXIOUS TO ENHANCE RESORT'S TERRAIN PARKS AND PIPES

Angel Fire, NM (Feb. 27, 2001) - Angel Fire Resort's new Director of Resort Operations, Jon Mahanna is a former competitor in the International Professional Freestyle Skiers Association. He was a national champion in the aerial acrobatics and won a bronze medal in the world championships for mogul competition. He also set a world record for distance in the World Galende Championship in 1972, flying 225 feet through the air. Now, however, he has set his sights on expanding Angel Fire's terrain park and pipe offerings.

Mahanna has been in the Resort industry for over 20 years. Most recently he was the Director of Resort Operations at Bear Mountain Resort in Southern California before coming to Angel Fire Resort in September. "The guy knows his stuff, especially when it involves terrain features and winter sports," said Sherrie Bullington, Communications Manager for the Resort. "With the direction of Jon Mahanna, the Resort is focusing on winter sports for everyone and competitive events in the parks."

Angel Fire's parks are now located at the summit and on the Exhibition ski run, and include the latest additions of a ¼ pipe, table tops, spines and rail slides. "This is only the beginning of more to come. Construction of a ½ pipe facility will take place this summer for the next winter season", said Mahanna.

This year, Angel Fire has hosted several competitions designed for skiers and boarders in the new terrain parks. Most recently, the Resort hosted a Slopestyle Competition on February 24, 2001 at the Exhibition Terrain Park. Competitors were judged on height, and the difficulty and creativity of their tricks.

The next Slopestyle Competitions will be the New Mexico Series finals on Saturday, March 10, 2001. The event is open to skiers and riders of all ages. Registration is from 7:30 to 9:00 am in the Village Haus. The race starts at 11:00 am at the Exhibition Terrain Park.

SNOWBASIN WORLD CUP CALLED OFF AGAIN

Snowbasin, UT (Feb. 25, 2001) - It was a case of another day, another race cancellation Sunday as a World Cup downhill was weathered out for the third straight day on the 2002 Olympic course at Snowbasin.

It was also another day of outstanding conditions for powder skiers and snowboarders, but unfortunately, World Cup racers will have to wait until next year to compete on the Grizzly course. A forecast full of snow, winds and fog again forced organizers to call off the Chevy Truck Grizzly Downhill.

The weather woes started Friday as a makeup race from Wengen, Switzerland was nixed due to snow. Saturday, the same conditions prevailed, forcing the postponement of the Grizzly Downhill to Sunday.

Officials made an annoucement Sunday at 7:15 a.m. MST to move the race start time from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. However, after reviewing the forecast with weather experts, it was decided to call the race altogether.

"It's very disappointing for us," said Herwig Demschar, the alpine director of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. "I've been in this sport for quite a while and for me maybe it's easier to take it because I know how it goes. The weather's just stronger than all of the people, you cannot fight it."

About 450 volunteers were on hand all week, making sure that if there was a slight chance to get the race off, it would happen with the best preparation possible. Course crews spent countless hours removing new snow from the Grizzly and trying to render the course raceable, but the constant inclement weather would not let up.

"I can tell you, and this is also the feedback from the coaches and also from the International Ski Federation, they confirmed that we did everything here that was possible to have the races, but the weather did beat us," said Demschar. "I'm disappointed for the people that were working hard, but I also have the positive feelings seeing the race organizers doing a great job, in my opinion an outstanding job."

At the very least, two solid training runs happened on Wednesday and Thursday. It was the first time a majority of the World Cup skiers had run the Grizzly as this weekend was its debut on the World Cup tour.

One downhill will be made up next week as the World Cup stops in Kvitfjell, Norway. That schedule will consist of downhills on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 and a super G on Sunday, March 4.

U.S. Ski Team competitor Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) won back-to-back downhills last season in Kvitfjell.

TWO U.S. SNOWBOARD WINS IN JAPAN

Asahikawa, Japan (Feb. 25, 2001) - It was a double victory for the U.S. Snowboard Team as Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, CA) and Gretchen Bleiler (Snowmass Village, CO) won a FIS World Cup halfpipe contest Sunday in Japan.

The wins were crucial for the U.S. in their hunt to secure maximum quota spots at next season's Salt Lake City Olympics.

The event was held at Santa Present Park, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Asahikawa. The weather started out sunny but skies clouded up and brought heavy snowfall up until the finals started. About 2,500 fans watched the World Cup season's eighth pipe contest.

Czeschin picked up the win with a score of 46.4. His next-closest competitor was Sweden's Magnus Sterner with a 43.1. Markus Jonsson, another Swede, was third with a 42.8.

The win threw the monkey off Czeschin's back as he has had a string of second place finishes, which included a silver medal at the X Games, but no wins. In fact, Czeschin's most recent second place finish was just last weekend in Sapporo, Japan.

"I got third here two years ago," Czeschin said. "Japan has always been good, especially for the last couple of weeks. Riding was really good today because the pipe shape was just awesome, the best one yet on the tour. The changing weather didn't hurt since the pipe was great. We had training here for four days - that helped a lot and made it a really exciting contest today."

The second and third place Swedes came from behind a bit as Sterner was fifth after the first run and Jonsson was seventh. Both stepped it up in their second runs and were going big.

It was also Bleiler's first win of the season, not to mention her first career World Cup win. Her 41.3 was good enough to top France's Doriane Vidal with a 40.9 and U.S. Team rider Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT), who had a 39.8.

"I'm stoked," said Bleiler. "I really had a fun day today, which I didn't have in the last competition so I went out there, tried the best I could and it worked out. I wanted to get the crowd a good show and, especially in the second run, I did so."

Clark has been on a roll this week as she won last week's Sapporo event, her first career World Cup victory. Clark has also taken two seconds and a third at Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix contests this season.

"I just wanted to make it clean in the second run after I had sketched it a bit in the first," said Clark, just 17 years old. "I felt kind of bumped because I didn't get to do the McTwist. This pipe was a whole lot smoother than last week's and I liked this one much more, I just didn't have as good a day as I had in Sapporo."

The pipe event wrapped up the Asahikawa World Cup and the tour visits the '02 Olympic venue next week in Park City, Utah. Superpipe finals will be held Thursday, March 1 with a parallel giant slalom Sunday, March 4. Both events are Olympic disciplines. A quarterpipe exhibition will be held Friday night, March 2 at the base of the superpipe in Eagle Race Arena.

MEN
1. Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.), 46.4
2. Magnus Sterner (Sweden), 43.1
3. Markus Jonsson (Sweden), 42.8
4. Mike Michalchuck (Canada), 42.6
5. Daisuke Murakami (Japan), 42.4
6. Guillaume Morisset (Canada), 41.9
7. Jonathan Collomb-Patton (France), 38.1
8. Daniel Nordin (Sweden), 36.6
9. Stefan Karlsson (Sweden), 35.9
10. Jonas Emery (Switzerland), 28.6
--
Did Not Qualify for Finals
19. Rob Kingwill (Jackson, Wyo.)
30. Zach Horwitz (Carbondale, Colo.)
31. Ricky Bower (Park City, Utah)

WOMEN
1. Gretchen Bleiler (Snowmass Village, Colo.), 41.3
2. Doriane Vidal (France), 40.9
3. Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, Vermont), 39.8
4. Christel Thoresen (Norway), 36.2
5. Anna Hellman (Sweden), 25.5
6. Tricia Byrnes (Stratton Mt., Vermont), 21.1
--
Did Not Qualify for Finals
13. Michele Taggart (Salem, Ore.)

KOSTNER WINS SUPER G

Lenzerheide, Switzerland (Feb. 25, 2001) - Two-time world super G champion Isolde Kostner earned her third victory of the winter Sunday as she won a super G by .08 over reigning World Cup overall champion Renate Goetschl of Austria. Megan Gerety (Anchorage, AK) led all three U.S. skiers into the top 15, finishing sixth.

Kostner, whose two previous wins this season were in downhill, was timed in 1:36.61 with Goetschl - who skied three starts later - finishing in 1:36.69. France's Carole Montillet was third in 1:36.74.

Gerety was sixth with a 1:37.07 clocking and Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) - Saturday's downhill victor - earned a spot in World Cup Finals by finishing seventh in the SG (1:37.38). Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) was 13th in 1:37.92.

Downhill/SG Head Coach Jim Tracy said Gerety missed World Cup Finals next month in Are, Sweden, by five points and Mendes missed by seven points. "There aren't any waivers - they go strictly by top-25 points," he said, adding that was why Olympic SG champion Picabo Street (Park City, UT), who returned this season after two years on the sidelines with multiple leg injuries, didn't qualify in downhill. She was 26th, two points behind teammate Alison Powers (Winter Park, CO), whose season ended early with a knee injury. "Everybody counts, so 'Powie' is 25th and Peek's 26th," according to Tracy.

In Sunday's race, the coach said the weather was similar to Saturday's when early skiers - Clark skied fifth - got sunshine and most of the field went through flat light. "It was -18 [C., about 1 degree F.] this morning...the girls did a good job, but a couple of small mistakes cost 'em. Megan got a little low in one turn at the bottom and that killed her speed for the finish, and Jonna had a mistake at about the same place and it cost her, too...

"We're disappointed about missing [SG] Finals, but it's still been good. We made good progress," Tracy said.

1. Isolde Kostner, Italy, 1:36.61
2. Renate Goetschl, Austria, 1:36.69
3. Carole Montillet, France, 1:36.74
4. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 1:36.76
5. Melanie Turgeon, Canada, 1:36.95
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6. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:37.07
7. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:37.38
13. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:37.92

MUEHLEGG WINS 50-KM FREESTYLE TITLE

Lahti, Finland (Feb. 25, 2001) - Spain's Johann Muehlegg won the 50-km freestyle title Sunday by nearly two minutes in more single-digit cold on the last day of the World Championships. Carl Swenson (Boulder, CO) was 21st.

Muehlegg finished the four-lap race in 2:05.27.2 in 3-degree weather (-16 C.) with Rene Sommerfeldt, one of his former German teammates, taking the silver medal (2:07.23.4). Russian Sergei Krianin was the surprise bronze medalist, another five seconds back.

Swenson was in the top 15 through three laps, but he said the cold wore him down at the end. He finished in 2:14.04.3. Justin Wadsworth (Bend, OR) was 36th in 2:17.12.2.

WOMEN'S 30-KM CANCELED DUE TO COLD

Lahti, Finland (Feb. 25, 2001) - For the first time in Olympic or World Championships history, a cross-country race was canceled Sunday when the jury ruled it was too cold to stage the women's 30-km freestyle race. A later decision pushed back the men's 50-km FR start by an hour - to 1 p.m. (6 a.m. EST) - as the temperature warmed to -16 C. (4 F.).

On the last day of the 44th World Nordic Ski Championships, officials said the -22 C. (-8 F.) stadium temperature posed too great a threat to the racers. International Ski Federation rules call for postponement or cancellation of a World Cup-level race when the temperature is -20 C.

A one-hour delay was called for the scheduled 9 a.m. (2 a.m. EST) start of the women's race. However, by 9:15 a.m., the jury scrubbed the race. There was no immediate decision on whether to reschedule it elsewhere.

STOWE TO HOST WORLD MILITARY SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

Stowe, VT (Feb. 25, 2001) - Some of the world's best giant slalom racers will compete in the CISM 43rd World Military Ski Championships, to be held March 8 at Stowe Mountain Resort. The elite field of competitors will include a number of top-flight World Cup racers. Most European nations have compulsory military service for their citizens, and many athletes in part satisfy these obligations by participation in this event. Athletes participating in the Biathlon and Military Patrol Race will compete at the Vermont National Guard facility in Jericho, Vermont. All together, athletes from 26 nations - totaling up to 580 athletes, coaches, and dignitaries - will attend the competitions.

CISM is derived from the French "Conseil International du Sport Militaire" - which translates to "International Military Sports Council." The aim of CISM is the encouragement of military sports and the development of friendly relations among the armed forces of the participating nations. CISM endeavors to substitute the playing field for the battlefield with "Friendship Through Sport."

The CISM Giant Slalom event is held at the North Slope at Stowe Mountain Resort, a homologated FIS (International Ski Federation) Course. The course will consist of 50 gates spaced not less than 10 meters apart. The race will use a "best-of-two" format. That is, competitors will ski the course twice, with the fastest total time determining the winner. The course will be reset between runs. The men's races will begin at 9 a.m., with their second run happening at 1:30 p.m. The women's race will start at around 10 a.m., with the second run immediately following the first.

The Vermont National Guard first hosted the CISM World Military Ski Championships in 1989. This was the first time in the history of CISM that the Ski Championships were held outside of Europe, and the first time a CISM event was ever hosted by a reserve component of the U.S. military. The Vermont National Guard again hosted the CISM Ski Championships in 1993.

WAGNER 5th IN "WOMEN'S VASALOPPET"

Mora, Sweden (Feb. 24, 2001) - Wendy Wagner (Park City, UT), who left the World Championships Friday night with a smile after posting the first two top-30s of her career, finished fifth Saturday in the 30-km classic Tjejvasan, the so-called Women's Vasaloppet.

Norway's Anita Moen, a classic specialist who also had been in Lahti, won the race in 1:46.02. Second place went to Maj Helen Sorkmo, another Norwegian, who led five skiers to the finish. Sorkmo's time was 1:47.46 with Ulrike Paersson of Sweden and Marit Bjorgen of Norway finishing in 1:47.47.

The rest of the U.S. World Cup team will join Wagner in a few days for a mini-training camp before heading to Oslo for World Cup races.

SUPERPIPE COMPETITION AT NORTHSTAR MARCH 17 & 31

Truckee, CA (Feb. 24, 2001) - The sky is the limit during Northstar-at-Tahoe and snowbomb.com's "Skills for Bills" Superpipe Competition Saturday, March 17 & 31. The action begins at 12pm at Northstar's mid-mountain as skiers and riders compete for cash and prizes.

Male and female skiers and riders of all ages are invited to compete with both Amateur and Open classes. Registration for the event will take place from 8:30 - 11am at the Lodge at Big Springs located at mid-mountain. The entry fee is $5 for Amateur classes and Open classes are $20. Open and Amateur classes are divided into skier, snowboarder, men's and women's divisions. The Amateur class is also divided into age categories 15 and under, and 16 and above. A parent's signature is required for competitors under age 18.

Competitors are advised to arrive early to allow plenty of time for registration and gondola transportation to mid-mountain. Prizes for Amateur classes and cash prizes ranging from $25 - $250 for the Open classes will be awarded for the top competitors of each division.

For more information on the Northstar-at-Tahoe and snowbomb.com "Skills for Bills" Superpipe Competition, please call (530) 562-3583, or visit Northstar's web site at www.skinorthstar.com or snowbomb.com.

SPECIAL DEALS WELCOME SPRING SKIERS

(Feb. 24, 2001) - Saying they’re saving the best for last, officials for ski resorts throughout North America are preparing to roll back prices for the sunny and warm spring season.

In Colorado, there's never been a better time to take up skiing, as Summit County neighbors Breckenridge and Keystone have teamed up to provide a pass for free skiing and snowboarding the rest of the 2000-2001 season to first-time skiers and snowboarders who purchase a learn-to-ski package.

The package includes three rentals, lift tickets and learn-to-ski lessons. The lessons are non-transferable and don’t have to be taken consecutively. However, they must all be taken at one resort. Other restrictions may apply.

“The last five years in our business have seen tremendous advances made in ski, boot and binding technology,” noted Lucy Kay, Breckenridge’s marketing vice-president. “As a result, skiing and snowboarding have never been easier to learn. Packaging the lessons, rentals and season pass make it a better value than ever before, as well.”

Kay said the offer includes three adult two-and-a-half hour group lessons, rentals and lift tickets. Keystone will extend the offer to children ages 8-14 for three full day lessons, rentals, lift tickets and lunch.

“The timing of the offer allows families to take advantage of the convenience and value for spring break,” said Margie Bootenhoof, Keystone’s vice president of marketing. “With Arapahoe Basin as part of the pass there are more than 100 days to enjoy 4,500 acres at all three resorts.”

According to Bootenhoff, the price provides a great chance to learn a new skill as well as a way to practice it the rest of the season. Upon completion of the three lessons, skiers and snowboarders will be given a Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin season pass valid for the remainder of the 2000-2001 season.

Skiers and snowboarders may purchase the package at the following outlets: Colorado Ski and Golf- Aurora, Arvada and Littleton Boulder Ski Deals- Boulder Bicycle Village- Colorado Springs, Littleton, Denver, Lakewood, Westminster and Southwest

For more information on the Breckenridge program, call 1-888-LRN-2SKI or visit www.breckenridge.com. For additional information on the Keystone program, call 1-800-255-3715 or visit www.keystoneresort.com.

On the other side of the Continental Divide, Loveland Ski Area is offering a similar deal. With its Spring Ski School Deal, anyone who registers for the free adult "Learn to Turn" card or the children's "Mountain Explorer" card program and completes three lessons will be eligible for a free season pass valid for the remainder of the 2000-2001 season. The "Learn to Turn" and "Mountain Explorer" programs offer progressive discounts ranging from 10% to 30% off each lesson package.

"Loveland believes in the value of giving new skiers and riders the opportunity to continue mastering a new sport, " noted Scott Fortner, Loveland's Marketing Director. "Additional season pass benefits include; discounted lift tickets for friends and family, discounts on food, sport shop purchases, and rental equipment .

Skiers and Snowboarders can sign up for ski school packages at the Loveland Valley Ski School office any day of the week. For more information call 303-569-3203 x 170 or visit www.skiloveland.com. Current "Learn to Turn" or "Mountain Explorer" card holders who currently have three lessons on their card will be immediately eligible for the free season pass.

Back East at Okemo, Vermont, various specials are offered to spring skiers and riders:

Also in Vermont, Killington will offer those who ski or ride now, a $25 lift ticket to return to Killington after April 7.

"While other resorts start spring skiing and preparing to close their doors to winter, we are just getting started in our second season," said Gillis Lynn, vice president of marketing for Killington. "Many forget just how good it gets after April 1. Longer days, sun in the sky, winter tans, deep base depths, soft snow conditions, and a line up of great events make it arguably the best time of year to hit the slopes. Those who ski or ride Killington now will benefit if they save their ticket and bring it back for a deal in April."

Beginning February 17, guests who purchase a one-day or multi-day lift ticket, simply need to "save" that lift ticket and return it to any ticket window after April 7 to receive one $25 ticket for that day. For more information call 802-422-6200 or log on to www.killington.com.

INDUSTRY LAUNCHES "SUSTAINABLE SLOPES" AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

(Feb. 24, 2001) - Ski areas may look their best decked out in snowy white, but American resort operators are making every effort to prove they are green at heart when it comes to the environment.

All the Colorado's major resorts have signed on to the ski industry's Sustainable Slopes environmental charter, unveiled by the National Ski Areas Association and its partner organizations last year. Come today, they'll be telling the world what they've done to live up to the principles outlined in the document.

Even just a quick glance at the environmental fact sheet posted on Colorado Ski Country USA's Web site shows an impressive list of achievements. Several resorts, including Arapahoe Basin, are working with state and federal agencies to make the energy-efficient use of resources and eliminate hazardous materials from their inventory. Some have launched environmental education programs, while others help pay for local habitat restoration projects with grants funded in part by employee contributions.

And recycling programs are common at nearly every ski area. Vail Resorts (VR) has even added recycling stations near the top of the lifts at its ski areas.

"We diverted 30 percent of our total waste stream during the first quarter of this year," says John Gitchell, who heads an environmental department covering Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone. That adds up to more than 700 tons of trash that didn't end up in local landfills, Gitchell says.

Vail, often a target for environmental critics, has been working for some time to weave a strong environmental ethic into its corporate fabric, with direction coming from the very top, according to Gitchell.

"Adam Aron (Vail Resorts chairman and CEO) is pushing us to reduce the amount of printed materials we produce," Gitchell says, explaining that consumers habits are changing in any case.

"We switched dishwashing detergents," Gitchell says, warming up to the topic. The new product is 20 percent more expensive. But it's also less caustic, therefore friendlier to employees, he explains. Plus, it comes as a solid block, wrapped in paper, so the change eliminates having to dispose of hundreds of empty plastic five-gallon buckets.

VR has also developed a way to gauge how well its operations measure up to the charter’s yardstick. Other resorts may adopt and adapt the Vail system for their own use as a way to measure their performance against the charter.

Measurement is important in another way, Gitchell says. By urging departments to think about potential waste before ordering supplies, Gitchell's environmental team is instilling an environmental ethics at the grassroots of Vail's business operation.

That means eliminating waste before it even happens - by not printing too many trail maps that just end up getting recycled or thrown away at the end of the season, for example.

In New Hampshire, ski resorts, land managers and conservationists have forged a broad-based consensus on management of national forest lands, where several ski areas operate, The National Ski Areas Association reports in its membership bulletin. Ski area operators acknowledged the need to limit impacts to public lands, and signed on to the concept of a comprehensive plan that will address cumulative impacts, long a sticking point with environmental groups.

The milestone New England deal also caps resort expansions at pre-determined limits, with a promise of no encroachment into roadless areas, according to the NSAA report.

Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon's Mt. Bachelor has formed a full-time "green team," which looks closely at every conservation opportunity. Aware of its eco-conscious customer base, the ski area has eliminated most products that generate waste paper from its food service operations and aims to purchase products made with recycled materials.

Mt. Bachelor has also taken the lead on regional transportation issues, operating a transit center and a fleet of buses to reduce traffic and emissions.

But the resorts can't do it alone - only active participation by skiers and snowboarders will help close the loop and lead toward a truly sustainable future for the sport and the industry.

Using public transport or car-pooling to the slopes is just one easy way to save energy and reduce highway congestion at the same time. Skiers and riders can also participate by being conscientious recyclers, or by joining in one of the many nature tours and environmental education programs offered at many areas.

But despite the ski industry's green overtures, some environmental groups remain unconvinced. The charter is merely a green-wash, according to Forest Service and ski industry watchdog Colorado Wild, which recently released its own environmental scorecard system for ski resorts.

The group says the charter lacks enforceable provisions and completely fails to address the impacts of terrain expansions and encroachment into potentially sensitive ecosystems. A flat national skier market doesn't justify a spate of recent terrain expansions, they say, arguing that many ski area projects on public land are done to enhance the value of nearby real estate.

BIG TIME TELE RACING COMING TO COLORADO

Crested Butte, CO (Feb. 24, 2001) - Free-heelers looking for high-speed racing thrills should begin planning to attend the 2001 U.S. Telemark National Championships, set for February 28 through March 4 in Crested Butte.

The event marks the return of national-level free-heel competition to Crested Butte, where the tele turn was born again in the mid-1970s. The National Championships are open to citizens, juniors, masters and racers licensed by the U.S. Telemark Ski Association (USTSA). Some of the best three-pinners in the world will be on hand for the multi-day event.

As a hotbed for ski adventurers, Crested Butte embraced the telemark renaissance in the early days and hosted several national telemark championships in the 1980s.

"Crested Butte is the home of the telemark turn," said mountain manager Roark Kiklevich, "People here are real excited to have this event come to Crested Butte, where it all began in the '70s."

"We wanted a place with a strong local telemark history, and also a place that could offer a great race for both competitors and spectators," said USTSA president Jimmy Ludlow "The enthusiastic telemark community and racing history makes Crested Butte the perfect venue for this event," Ludlow added.

The championship includes traditional slalom and GS races, as well as two longer and more complicated competitions, the classic and sprint races. The classic course puts both Nordic and alpine abilities to the test, combining technical turns and distance jumping with cross-country skating on an uphill stretch - and a "reipelykkje" turn (a banked 360-degree loop), all in a single run. The sprint classic on the final day is a shorter, two-run version of the classic event.

Since the resurgence of telemark skiing three decades ago, Crested Butte has seen a flurry of free-heelers flock to its slopes. In fact, on any given day, you'll see almost as many telemarkers as snowboarders on the mountain. Survey data from last season shows that 16 percent of Crested Butte’s guests were on free-heel gear, with. 21 percent on snowboards and the remaining 63 percent on alpine gear.

Two of Crested Butte Mountain Resort's sponsored athletes are also world-renowned telemark skiers. Spend some time in Crested Butte's infamous "Extreme Limits" terrain and you'll likely catch a glimpse of two-time national telemark champion and former World Cup team member Heather Paul and extreme telemark diva Kasha Rigby.

CLARK WINS DOWNHILL; THREE U.S. SKIERS IN TOP-10

Lenzerheide, Switzerland (Feb. 24, 2001) - Unheralded Kirsten Clark (Raymond, ME) won her first World Cup Saturday in Lenzerheide. Clark, starting number five after two days of heavy snow, beat the odds on the weather and led the field by over a three-tenths.

It was the first U.S. women’s downhill win since Hilary Lindh took the DH gold medal to close the 1997 World Championships, the first World Cup victory (Worlds races are not World Cups) since Picabo Street (Park City, UT) won in Narvik, Norway, at the end of the ’96 season as she clinched her second World Cup DH crown. Coincidentally, Street had her best result Saturday in nearly three years, coming out of No. 37 start to finish seventh.

New snow and fog shutdown training Thursday and Friday after two training runs Wednesday. An overnight cold front, though, helped solidify course conditions and Clark tore through the snow with a nearly flawless run to win in 1:27.07.

Regine Cavagnoud of France, who won super G gold at the recent World Championships, was runnerup in 1:27.41 and Petra Haltmayer of Germany, whose first World Cup win came earlier this season in a DH at Lake Louise, was third with a 1:27.71 clocking as light snow returned during the race.

Clark, a 23-year-old Carrabassett Valley Academy grad, led three U.S. skiers into the top 10; in addition to Street in seventh (1:27.87), Megan Gerety (Anchorage, AK) finished eighth in 1:27.92. Jonna Mendes (Heavenly, CA) was 22nd in 1:28.86.

“It was an incredible run. ‘Clarky’ skied so well,” said Head Coach Marjan Cernigoj. “We got a little lucky with the weather - it was sunshine when she went and clouds moved in later for girls at the back, but the same thing happened to us last year - we had a couple of girls in the top 10 when the sunshine came and the top skiers came from the back.”

Women’s DH/SG Head Coach Jim Tracy added, “This was so awesome. When we were going out, Marjan and I were saying maybe we didn’t get much luck with Jonna [skiing No. 2] and Clarky [No. 5] going early. But the organizers did a great job preparing the course and when it go colder, the course set-up nicely. If you got off-course, like Jonna did in a couple of spots, and like Megan did in one spot, the snow was like glue...but otherwise the course was great.”

Single-digit cold before dawn helped reduce problems from soft snow “and they did a good job working it [the course] all day,” said Cernigoj, who reported it was -14 C. (6 degrees F.), which helped harden the snow. “The course stood up well all day,” he said.

Cavagnoud and reigning World Cup champion Renate Goetschl of Austria won the two training runs Wednesday; Street was third in the second session. Clark used the two days between the training and Saturday run to visualize how she could clean-up her race.

“It was so great to execute the way I wanted to. It was definitely a long wait to that last racer,” she said, “but it feels so good.”

In a press conference following the race attended by First Tracks!! Online, Clark bubbled with enthusiasm over her victory. "It was definitely a surprise for me," Clark admitted, "but in St. Anton when I won the (downhill) portion of the combined, it definitely gave me a lot of confidence coming into these next couple of races. Today definitely came as a surprise, but deep inside it shows that I'm capable of winning races and it feels great to finally be able to do it."

Clark was anxious to notify friends and family back home in the U.S. of her victory, but held off doing so until she was confident that the race was in her pocket. "I called my parents when I was in the finish line after the race, and my dad answered and I just said, 'I won!' They were just as excited and happy as I was," Clark shared with the press. "I waited until the last racer crossed the finish. I wasn't going to believe it until the last racer and the race was finally over that I was making calls and actually realized that I'd won a race."

Regarding her early start position, Clark rationalized, "Last year at Lenzerheide it was better to have a number that was further back because the sun came out after a snowstorm and it just speeded the track up, and people from the back were coming down and getting in the top-10 and kept bumping me back. This year I was number five, and I was thinking in the back of my mind, 'Gosh, I hope it's not like last year, I'm out of luck.'

"Actually, it was in my favor this year," Clark continued, "because the sun was shining pretty much for the first six racers, and then the clouds came in and the light got flat and it sort of benefitted me. It was definitely the luck of the draw being picked number five."

When asked when she reached the point that she knew that she could win a race, Clark responded, "It probably wasn't until in St. Anton for the combined downhill portion that I won there, that I the proof that on a race day I could win a race. It probably wasn't until that point that I had the concrete evidence, instead of just saying 'I think I can, I think I can,' to saying 'I know I can!'"

Clark was asked about the remarkable transformation of the U.S. squad on the World Cup this season. "For me, it's been the hard work that I've been putting into this sport for the past ... the past many years that I've been doing this," Clark explained. "I've been on the World Cup circuit for the past five years, so the experience pays a toll, with coming back to familiar sights and knowing what the race hill looks like and how it runs from previous years. I think for me it's the experience. I know that any one of my teammates are capable of winning and being on the podium as well.

"I know on the women's circuit we've had success on the downhill women's side in the past," Clark continued, "with Hillary Lindh and Picabo (Street), and also with Megan (Gerety), and now we have myself and Jonna Mendes ... and also Sarah Schleper on the technical side ... and then there's still some younger girls behind them who are coming up. It just takes a little bit of time to get the experience under your belt."

Clark lent insight into her upbeat attitude. "I think that you're seeing the real me," she intimated. "I think that it's the way that I was brought up with my parents. When I was younger, racing was always fun and it was something that I chose to do. There have been times that I haven't been racing well and probably not as positive as I am now," she chuckled, "but this season I've had some strong results ... I've had a few lulls in there, but for the most part I've had a pretty positive season and I think I'm figuring things out and definitely want to try to stay the person that I am."

In describing the course, Clark commented, "There are three major turns on the course, but the rest is just tucking and gliding and for me it's not a favorable course ... I'm more of a technical skier and not such a great glider. But I was able to hold on. You would definitely lose some time (on the three turns) if you got a little low on your line and out into the soft snow, but I skied them just like I wanted to."

Clark added regarding Salt Lake City in 2002, "I think my chances are really good now. This year we had the World Championships and it’s a big deal for us. And the Olympic will be in our home country in Salt Lake City. We want to be able to finish strong this year and to pick our numbers next year so we can choose our start positions. Hopefully in Salt Lake we’ll be walking away."

The women have a super G Sunday, the last race, before the World Cup Finals March 7-11 in Are, Sweden. Cernigoj said Street missed qualifying for Finals by two points; she was 26th in the standings - and No. 25 was teammate Alison Powers (Winter Park, CO), whose season ended a month ago with a knee injury. U.S. skiers qualified for DH at the World Cup Finals are Clark, Mendes, Gerety and Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs, CO), who also qualified in slalom. Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN) and Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) qualified in SL and giant slalom.

CAFE de COLOMBIA WORLD CUP
Lenzerheide, SUI - Feb. 24
Women’s DH
1. Kirsten Clark, Raymond, Maine, 1:27.07
2. Regine Cavagnoud, France, 1:27.41
3. Petra Haltmayer, Germany, 1:27.71
4. Ingeborg Helen Marken, Norway, 1:27.73
5. Corinne Rey-Bellet, Switzerland, 1:27.82
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7. Picabo Street, Park City, Utah, 1:27.87
8. Megan Gerety, Anchorage, Alaska, 1:27.92
22. Jonna Mendes, Heavenly, Calif., 1:28.86

WEATHER WOES AGAIN AT SNOWBASIN

Snowbasin, UT (Feb. 24, 2001) - For the second straight day, inclement weather forced the postponement of a World Cup race at Snowbasin as the Chevy Truck Grizzly Downhill was knocked out Saturday.

Between 12-14 inches of snow fell overnight Friday with an additional 5-6 inches Saturday morning. The fresh coating, along with some fog and low clouds, made the 2002 Olympic course unsuitable for racing, as it did Friday as well. Organizers called the race around 7:30 a.m. MST Saturday. It was scheduled for an 11:00 a.m. MST start.

Friday's downhill, which was a makeup from a Wengen, Switzerland postponement, was canceled after heavy snowfall, which began Thursday night, lasted throughout the day Friday.

"It's just been, to this point, unfortunate circumstances we've been dealing with," said U.S. Ski Team head coach Bill Egan. "And this is not normal, by any stretch of the imagination. It's a little abnormal that we've had this bad luck with weather. We normally go through seasons where we have almost every race. But in the middle of the winter, a lot of things can happen. Until we put a dome over the mountain, we're gonna be susceptible to this."

The competitors did get in two days of training Wednesday and Thursday, but most are itching to race as it is the first time the Grizzly course has been run on the World Cup tour. Most of the racers praised the course for its features, which includes steeps, big airs and technical turny sections.

"Now we know it's very skiable, it's a great hill," said Egan. "It's gonna be so exciting, especially if we have some harder snow, it's gonna be spectacular. There's wonderful turns, wonderful speed, great jumps, it's a really good downhill."

Sunday will bring about one more chance to get a race in as a downhill is on tap on Grizzly, replacing the super G that was originally scheduled. However, the forecast is calling for more snow to come in later on Saturday, which will again make it tough to get the race off Sunday.

"The chances of racing tomorrow are not great," said Egan. "The problem we have at this point is there has been a lot of snow and we're dealing with very warm temperatures. I'm hoping that we have some luck with the weather. The course crew's just working their tails off and if it's at all possible, we'll do it (race)."

Members of the U.S. Team got the chance to get in some powder skiing at Snowbasin Saturday. Egan said they would do some conditioning work later in the afternoon.

There has been no word on whether either of the two dropped races will be rescheduled.

Following the weekend in Utah, the World Cup moves on to Kvitfjell, Norway March 3-4, the venue where Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) won back-to-back downhill races last season. Kvitfjell will be the last stop before World Cup Finals March 7-11 in Are, Sweden. U.S.

CELEBRITIES AND SKI CHAMPS HIT VAIL SLOPES FOR BENEFIT

Vail, CO (Feb. 24, 2001) - Some of Hollywood’s top celebrities will join forces with some of ski racing’s biggest names March 14-18 in Vail, celebrating the 21st anniversary of the CSFBdirect American Ski Classic. They will all ski so that others may someday walk as the 2001 edition of the Ski Classic will once again serve as a benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, which raises money and awareness for the ongoing research to find a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis.

“The 2001 CSFBdirect American Ski Classic marks our third year in partnership with the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation,” explained Ceil Folz, president of the Vail Valley Foundation, the nonprofit group that has organized the American Ski Classic since its inception in 1981. “It has been a wonderful relationship and we are proud to have been able to contribute almost $1 million to the Reeve Foundation’s efforts over the first two years.”

Hosted by former President Gerald R. Ford, the racing element of the 2001 CSFBdirect American Ski Classic will be comprised of the Hyundai Legends Downhill, Legends of Skiing Giant Slalom, Future Legends Race and the Ford Cup celebrity team competition. Public and private social activities will feature the Hyundai Legends Downhill Draw and Budweiser Street Beat free concert, the Ski Magazine Legends of Skiing Banquet and the Hope In Motion benefit dinner and auction, which raises money for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.

“The Ski Classic has always fostered a great atmosphere of camaraderie,“ Folz offered, “not only between the legends and celebrities, but also between all the competitors and the spectators. We’ve tried to ensure that our residents and guests feel that they are an integral part of this event.”

Action on the racecourse will get underway Thursday, March 15, with the Hyundai Legends Downhill. Last year’s champions, Austria’s Franz Klammer and Canada’s Laurie Graham-Flynn, will be back to defend their titles against a stellar field of former Olympic, World Championships and World Cup medallists. Strong challenges should come from 1997 overall World Cup champ Luc Alphand of France, 1992 Olympic downhill gold medallist Patrick Ortlieb of Austria and Ski Classic rookie Sigrid Wolf of Austria, who captured the Super G gold medal at the 1988 Calgary Olympics, while also claiming back-to-back World Cup downhill wins in Vail in 1987.

The legends will then shift gears, moving into roles as team captains for their respective teams for the Ford Cup races, March 16-17. Matched against one another in a head-to-head giant slalom format, celebrities from all walks of life will battle for the yearlong bragging rights that accompany a Ford Cup individual or team victory.

“It’s really amazing how competitive the celebrities become, once you take them out of their element,” continued Folz. “Nobody wants to lose, but they all have a tremendous amount of fun with the races and with each other.”

Heading the list of celebrities confirmed for the 2001 Ski Classic edition are Robert Kennedy, Jr., super model Kim Alexis, actors Cameron Bancroft, Billy Campbell and Scott Wolf, actress Susan Blakely, singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg, Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Gino Toretta and astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

The legends will bring things full circle on March 18 with the Legends of Skiing Giant Slalom. Points earned by the team members during the Hyundai Legends Downhill will be combined with the results from the Legends Giant Slalom to determine the overall legends team champions. Legends to watch in giant slalom include three-time overall World Cup champ and 1984 Olympic slalom gold medallist Phil Mahre, along with twin brother Steve, who captured the World Championships giant slalom gold medal in 1982, while also mining silver in slalom behind Phil in 1984 in Sarajevo.

On the social front, the Hyundai Legends Downhill Draw and Budweiser Street Beat free concert will kick things off in the heart of Vail Village on the evening of March 14 as Asleep at the Wheel serves up a healthy portion of Texas swing. Austrian Olympic triple gold medallist Toni Sailer will be inducted into the International Ski Racing Hall of Fame March 15 at the Legends of Skiing Banquet, while internationally renowned dancer Rasta Thomas headlines the Hope In Motion benefit dinner and auction on March 17.

The 2001 CSFBdirect American Ski Classic will be televised by ABC, with a one-hour special airing March 18 at 1 p.m. MST. The 2001 CSFBdirect American Ski Classic is a project of the Vail Valley Foundation.

DEER VALLEY TO HOST SUPER SERIES SLALOM FINAL

Park City, UT (Feb. 24, 2001) - In the world’s last chance to see top notch athletes compete on Deer Valley Resort’s Olympic slalom course ebfore the 2002 Games, the Resort will host the Chevy Truck Super Series men’s slalom finals, March 30 – 31, 2001.

The Super Series event was created three years ago by the U.S. Ski Team as a season-long, international alpine ski racing circuit that would coincide closely with the International Ski Federation (F.I.S.) World Cup schedule and locations, allowing top athletes from both the U.S. and other international teams the chance to compete. The Super Series serves as the U. S. portion of the Nor Am Cup, one of five FIS Continental Cup series worldwide that is a direct “stepping stone” for many top level young athletes working their way onto the World Cup circuit.

At Deer Valley’s men’s slalom final on the Resort’s “Know You Don’t” run, the athletes who have accumulated the most Super Series points will be crowned the Overall Champions of the series. The overall men’s and women’s super series champion will receive a $20,000 cash prize.

“From an event management standpoint,” says Chuck English, Deer Valley Resort director of mountain operations, “the Chevy Truck Super Series signifies the last chance we have as a Resort to work out the kinks before we host the Olympic slalom events during 2002. We’re looking forward to providing the very best course we can for these amazing athletes. Some of them will end up on Olympic teams next year. They will have had the chance to test our 'Know You Don’t' course before the big event. The event also provides an opportunity for the public to come out and see world class slalom competition without any cost, or many crowds, before the Games arrive next year.”

NC SPRINT: BAACKE IS SURPRISE CHAMP

Lahti, Finland (Feb. 24, 2001) - Marco Baacke of Germany, who climbed his first World Cup podium in Steamboat Springs, Colo., a month ago, came out of nowhere Saturday to win the gold medal in the nordic combined sprint event on the next-to-last day of the 44th World Nordic Ski Championships. Johnny Spillane (Steamboat Springs,CO) had his best result, leading the U.S. skiers in 14th place.

In giving Germany its first combined gold medal since Hermann Weinbuch (now Germany's head coach) won for then-West Germany in 1985, Baacke had the ninth-fastest 7.5-km as he won by 6.2 seconds over Finnish favorite Samppa Lajunen, who had been seventh in jumping. Ronny Ackermann made it two medals for the Germans, taking the bronze, 9.7 seconds behind his teammate.

Spillane had the top U.S. jump result, finishing 13th with a jump of 108.5 meters; he held on during the 7.5-km and produced he best international result. "That was a goal coming in here, to have a top 15," Spillane said.

Bill Demong (Vermontville, NY), who dropped back on his skis but never touched down on his jump of 106 meters, was 23rd in jumping and finished 22nd. Todd Lodwick (also Steamboat), who fell at the end of his 102-meter jump, had the seventh-fastest race and was 25th with Matt Dayton (Breckenridge, CO) 27th in the field of 57 in the -16 C. (4 F.) weather.

"The young guys - Johnny and Billy - keep making big steps," said Coach Jan-Erik Aalbu. "And if you had asked me six months ago if I thought Matt Dayton would be 27th at he World Championships, I'd've said 'No way.' But he's made himself better, too. It's disappointing, for sure, to have Todd perform this way...but if he hadn't fallen, he would have been around 15th or 16th, and that would have made for a different ski race."

Head Coach Tom Steitz echoed Aalbu, noting, "Great performance from Johnny, and Billy made a nice save on his jump...but, you can't hide from it: Todd's got to make some adjustments, we all do. He doesn't have the best record in these big events. He put a lot of expectations on himself, but a month ago he's fourth and Baacke is second in Steamboat...and now Baacke's the new world champion - I don't think even he would've called that, but it happens in the sprint - and Todd's 25th. He had an outstanding race, and anyone can have a spill with the way the out-run had skis chattering, but...Still, we've got a lot of room for improvement before Salt Lake City in another year."

The combined skiers leave Sunday for the next World Cups March 1-4 in Japan...As the schedule heads into its final four events, Lodwick is sixth in points with Demong 18th, Dayton 27th and Spillane 32nd...Steitz said, "If we could finish with four in the top 25, or even top 30 - and that's definitely do-able, it'll help deal with the frustrations from these championships"...Three Swiss combined skiers were sent home two days ago for repeated late-night infractions...Two-time world champ (and three-time World Cup champion) Kenji Ogiwara of Japan was fifth while World Cup leader Felix Gottwald of Austria was eighth; defending combined sprint gold medalist Bjarte Engen Vik of Norway, who won the individual event Feb. 16, finished ninth after being 12th in jumping...Finland's Hannu Manninen had the fastest 7.5-km but, having jumped to only 20th, finished sixth...

44th WORLD NORDIC SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Lahti, FIN - Feb. 24
Nordic Combined Sprint
(1 K116 jump/7.5-km race)

1. Marco Backe, Germany, (2/9)
2. Samppa Lajunen, Finland, (7/3) 6.2 seconds back
3. Ronny Ackermann, Germany, (6/4) 9.7
4. Jaakko Tallus, Finland, (1/29) 35.1
5. Kenji Ogiwara, Japan, (4/18) 42.6
-
14. Johnny Spillane, Steamboat Springs, Colo., (13/28) 1:56.4
22. Bill Demong, Vermontville, N.Y., (23/22) 2:30.2
25. Todd Lodwick, Steamboat Springs, Colo., (33/7) 3:01.1
27. Matt Dayton, Breckenridge, Colo., (31/15) 3:07.1

KLUG, FLETCHER 2nd IN PGS

Asahikawa, Japan (Feb. 24, 2001) - Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) and Rosey Fletcher (Girdwood, AK) were both second in a FIS Snowboard World Cup parallel giant slalom Saturday in Asahikawa. French riders won both races with Christophe Segura taking the men's Julie Pomagalski winning the women's.

The finishes in the Olympic discipline were important in moving the U.S. closer to maximum quota spots for 2002 Olympic selection.

Segura, second after qualifications, faced Klug in the finals and won both runs. Canadian Jasey Jay Anderson won both of the consolation runs against Austrian Werner Ebenbauer.

"The conditions have been great and the course was in perfect shape," said Segura. "I didn't care that it hasn't been the steepest ever but I think a good racer needs to be able to ride any kind of course."

"It was beautiful snow today, the sun was shining and it couldn't have been a better race really," said Klug. "I started out really good and my runs were just getting better and better. I just didn't have my two best runs in the finals. Christophe is a big guy and carried a lot of speed onto the flat plus I made a few mistakes."

Several big names in parallel events failed to make it to the finals including points leader Mathieu Bozzetto from France, Slovenian Dejan Kosir, Swede Richard Richardsson and German Markus Ebner.

Pomagalski fell to Fletcher in the first finals run, but Fletcher made a costly mistake in the second to give Pomagalski her first career World Cup win. It was an Italian duel in the consolation as Marion Posch defeated Carmen Ranigler after Ranigler made mistakes in both runs.

"This is super, I'm so happy," said Pomagalski. "You always see others win World Cups and think it's magic but now I did it. The course was a bit flat but it was exactly the same for everyone and it looks like it was perfect for me finally."

"The whole day I was riding against really strong girls," said Fletcher. "When it came up to the finals I felt a bit blown out. After the first run I thought I was still there but then I crashed."

Ranigler took the yellow leader bib away from France's Karine Ruby, who finished fifth. Ruby is second on the points list followed by Fletcher.

FIS Snowboard World Cup
Asahikawa, Japan
February 24, 2001
Parallel Giant Slalom

A-BASIN SEEKS REALIGNMENT OF LENAWEE LIFT REPLACEMENT

Arapahoe Basin, CO (Feb. 24, 2001) - Arapahoe Basin is seeking approval from the Forest Service to realign one of its five lifts. The replacement and upgrade of the Lenawee Lift at Arapahoe Basin, as a fixed grip triple chair lift was approved in A-Basin’s Master Development Plan Record of Decision in 1999 from the Forest Service.

A-Basin is now requesting that the top terminal be moved approximately 350 feet to the west. The bottom terminal location would remain intact.

Currently both Lenawee and Norway lifts are necessary to provide access to the entire upper mountain, but the entire upper mountain can be accessed with one lift with the proposed new alignment. During low volume periods, when only one upper mountain lift operates, the proposed lift would access the entire upper mountain. The proposal would lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and labor expenses.

The current Lenawee Lift has three lift towers in sensitive wetland areas. The approved master development plan calls for the removal of these three towers. A-Basin argues that it is not practical to replace the Lenawee Lift in its current alignment and avoid those wetland areas. The proposed alignment avoids the wetland areas completely.

The Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) from the Forest Service was published February 19, 2001. The comment period on the Draft EA will be 30 calendar days from publication of the opportunity for public comments in newspapers of local circulation. Comments are encouraged and must be postmarked no later than March 19, 2001, and should be sent to Ms. Jamie Connell, District Ranger, P.O. Box 620, Silverthorne, CO 80498.

KILLINGTON RAGE WEEKEND OFFERS SUN, FUN, SNOW AND MUD

Killington, VT (Feb. 24, 2001) - As part of Rage Weekend May 26-28, the Memorial Day Triathlon on Sunday, May 28, ushers out winter at Killington. The Triathlon is open to anyone who wants to give it a try. The grueling events includes skiing or snowboarding, mountain biking and trail running.

The weekend begins on Saturday, May 29, with a kayak relay race. Competitors in teams of two paddle across Snowshed pond starting at 3 p.m. Then the 11th Annual Killington Triathlon, the largest event on Rage Weekend, takes place on Sunday. It is a three-part race that makes a perfect segue from winter into summer. The grueling test of endurance and skill begins at 10 a.m. with a skiing or snowboarding run down the Superstar Trail. Next, racers trade their boards for mountain bikes and ride a typically muddy 6.2- mile cross-country course on Killington's mountain bike trails. The last leg of the competition is a 3-mile trail run. Athletes are competing for an assortment of prizes from Rage Weekend Sponsors, and everyone who enters gets a commemorative Killington Triathlon T-shirt. The race is limited to the first 500 competitors and costs $35 for season pass holders and $45 for non-season pass holders. Call 802-422-1700 to request registration forms or log on to www.killington.com for more information.

Triathlon participants and spectators can enjoy a bar-b-que and music on the Killington Base Lodge deck. The party on the deck continues all weekend long along with other activities including mountain bike fun rides with bike rentals available at the Killington Mountain Bike Shop, women's mountain bike clinics, as well as hiking on Killington's network of trails with the Killington Hiking Center.

And if that's not enough to satisfy any athlete, the Killington Klimb will help use up the rest of that extra energy. On Monday, May 28, it's a race to the top of 4,241-foot Killington Peak starting at 10 a.m. The fastest climber will have his or her name engraved on the trophy and receive some great prizes. Entry fee is $10/person.

NORTHSTAR HOSTS AMERICAN SNOWBOARD TOUR MARCH 9-10

Truckee, CA (Feb. 24, 2001) - The nation’s longest running professional and amateur snowboard competition shreds up the slopes at Northstar-at-Tahoe March 9 - 10. The Paul Mitchell American Snowboard Tour features some of the world’s top riders as they compete in the giant slalom and halfpipe events for a chance at winning a prize purse of $20,000. In addition to the prize money, riders will be competing for Olympic qualification points, as well as the "Paul Mitchell Cup" which awards direct entry into the U.S. Nationals in April and an invitation to the 2002 X-Games. The Paul Mitchell American Snowboard Tour has been a training ground for many of America's top professional and Olympic snowboarders over the past ten years.

Spectators can support their favorite athletes during the giant slalom competition on Friday and the halfpipe event on Saturday. Both events will begin at 10 a.m. Admission is free for spectators with a gondola pass. The American Snowboard Tour is open to all competitors but requires a USSA membership to compete. The entry fee to compete is $95 per discipline or $160 for both. Snowboarders interested in competing are advised to contact Craig Elledge at (818) 385-1439.

Featured athletes are expected to include 2000-01 U.S. Grand Prix Champion and 2001 X-Games Champion, Danny Kass, 2000 AST Overall Halfpipe Champion, J.J. Thomas and 2001 AST Bear Mountain Halfpipe Champion, Shaun White. Heading the women’s field will be Lynn Ott, a current National Team member, the 2000 AST Overall Halfpipe Champion, Bianca Berger and 1999 Northstar Halfpipe Champion, Autumn Rose.

SNOW WIPES OUT SNOWBASIN DOWNHILL

Snowbasin, UT (Feb. 23, 2001) - An overnight storm dropped enough snow to force the cancellation of a FIS World Cup downhill race Friday on the Grizzly course at Snowbasin.

Approximately eight inches of wet, heavy snow fell in the Snowbasin area overnight, making course conditions unraceable. Snow was still falling steadily Friday morning, prompting organizers to first delay the 10:00 a.m. scheduled start to 11:30 a.m. and then cancel the race entirely.

The race was actually a makeup of an event that was postponed Jan. 13 in Wengen, Switzerland. The Lauberhorn downhill was called there on account of heavy fog on the bottom of the course. The loss of the race also meant the loss of the season's first combined event. The first downhill a day earlier was also scrapped due to rain in Wengen.

There was no immediate word if the downhill would be rescheduled a second time. The World Cup season is nearing its end as it moves on to Kvitfjell, Norway March 3-4 before the season finale at Are, Sweden, March 7-11.

The competitors got two solid days of training on the Grizzly run Wednesday and Thursday. The course will be used for downhill and super G at the 2002 Olympics.

The Chevy Truck Grizzly Downhill is still on schedule for Saturday. The race is slated for a 10:00 a.m. start. The World Cup weekend concludes Sunday with a super G.

K90 GOLD FOR MALYSZ

Lahti, Finland (Feb. 23, 2001) - World Cup leader Adam Malysz went 98 meters on his second jump Friday night, despite sub-zero cold and biting winds, to collect the first World Championships gold medal for Poland since 1972. Alan Alborn (Anchorage, AK) was 23rd.

NBC will broadcast a report from the 44th World Nordic Ski Championships Saturday at 3 p.m. EST.

Defending World Cup champion Martin Schmitt of Germany was the first-round leader, six points ahead of Malysz, who has won eight of the last 10 World Cup jump meets. However, when Malysz went 98 meters in the final round, Schmitt couldn't answer the challenge in the -22 C. (-8 F.) weather; he went 90 meters and the 23-year-old Pole - with 246.0 points - was the champion. The last Polish jumping champion was Wojzceck Fortuna, who won the large hill title at the 1972 Olympics in Japan; in those days, the Olympics doubled as the World Championships.

"I still can't believe it," Malysz told a press conference. "I'm so happy for myself and for Poland....I knew I had to risk all on my second jump."

Schmitt, the large hill winner (with Malysz as silver medalist) Monday night, took home the silver medal and Martin Hoellwarth of Austria, who was driving a car on the night of Feb. 4 that went off a German road and rolled over, killing his head coach, Alois Lipburger, was bronze medalist.

Alborn was 19th in the first round following a jump of 80.5 meters. He went 79.5 on his final jump and was 23rd - his best result of a disappointing season - with 183.0 points. Clint Jones (Steamboat Springs, CO) went 74.5 meters on his lone jump to miss the top-30 cut and finish 37th.

"These were the best of the season, no question, so there's no complaint," said U.S. Coach Kari Ylianttila. "Alan had a good first jump and Clint jumped good, too, but he just didn't go far enough. But they got some more experience and that's what we wanted them to do when we came to Lahti."

The last two jumping events at the championships are the large hill (K116) team competition Saturday and the new-for-Lahti normal hill (K90) team event Sunday...With only two jumpers, Yliantilla and his athletes will leave Saturday morning. Jones returns home for a week or so, then will return for Continental Cup events in Norway and Sweden next month...Alborn and Coach Matt Terwillegar will head to Kuopio for more training and then to ski-flying in Oberstdorf, Germany, World Cups in Trondheim and Oslo, Norway, and more ski-flying in Planica, Slovenia...Hoellwarth, who was fourth in the large hill event before taking his bronze Friday night, declined to answer any questions about how he dealt with the aftermath of the fatal crash; teammate Andreas Widhoelzl, who also was in the car, still is so traumatized by the mishap that he withdrew from the Worlds and reportedly returned to Austria...After Hoellwarth left the press confernce, Malysz and Schmitt saluted Hoellwarth's mental strength and said how much they respected the way he and the Austrian team have handled the aftermath...

44th WORLD NORDIC SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Lahti, FIN - Feb. 23
Normal Hill (K90) Jumping
(Jumping distances in meters)

NINTH STRAIGHT RELAY GOLD FOR RUSSIA

Lahti, Finland (Feb. 23, 2001) - Despite 3-degree weather, Larissa Lazhutina took control on the second leg Friday and Russia went on to collect its traditional gold medal in the women's 4x5-km mixed relay - this time by nearly a minute over Finland - on Day Nine of the 44th World Nordic Ski Championships. The U.S. women were 13th.

Virpi Kuitunen, who won the "pursuit" event last weekend, had Finland in first place after the first leg by 7.1 seconds over Russia. Lazhutina steamed to the front and built a five-second lead over Norway, which was third after the first 5-km classic technique leg. Julia Tchepalova padded more than a half-second to the lead on the third leg and Nina Gavriljuk brought Russia home first in 53:01.6

The last time Russia - then still the Soviet Union - lost a women's relay at the Olympics or World Championships was 1989, here in Lahti, when Finland won. Finland was silver medalist Friday in 53:55.7 and Norway took bronze, another 6.2 seconds back.

Wendy Wagner (Park City, UT), completing a World Championships that included two top-30 results, had the USA in eighth place in the 15-team field after the first 5-km loop, behind Germany and just ahead of Sweden. But the team finished 13th in 58:25.0.

"Cold? Yeah, it was cold...but I don't know about any wind or breeze. I was so focused," Wagner said. "I had another good race and I'm taking a lot away from these championships - all of it positive."

She made a tactical error midway through her 5-km loop, jumping out of the tracks as she tried to pass Sweden's Carin Holmberg, Wagner said. The tracks turned out to be faster than skiing out of the tracks, she said, "and I spent the rest of the time trying to catch up." She pulled by Holmberg in the final half-kilometer but couldn't catch the German.

Wagner left after the race to compete Sunday in the so-called women's Vasaloppet, a 30-km classic race in Mora, Sweden; other team members will go to Mora for brief training after the championships...Beckie Scott had Canada in fourth place after the opening leg; the Canadians finished seventh (55:47.4)...The Finnish Ski Association told a late-morning press conference the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) pulled a surprise drug test Thursday of all but two Finnish athletes - 28 from cross country, jumping and nordic combined - and results were expected to be announced shortly; team leader Jorma Hyytiae said he had pushed for such unannounced testing earlier in the week and he hoped the WADA testing would defuse suspicion and speculation - "mainly international" - about Finnish athletes following disclosure that Jari Isometsae had used a banned substance (HES - a blood plasma enhancer) before the championships. The only athletes not tested were Janne Immonen, who had been tested a short time earlier as the post-relay selection, and nordic combined skier Samppa Lajunen, who was training Thursday in Jyvaeskylae...

44th WORLD NORDIC SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Lahti, FIN - Feb. 23
Women's 4x5-km Mixed Relay

1. Russia (Danilova/Lazhutina/Tchepalova/Gavriljuk) - 53:01.6
2. Finland (Kuitunen/Jauho/Varis/Manninen) - 53:55.7
3. Norway (Moen/Skari/Nilsen/Pedersen) - 54:01.9
4. Italy - 54:23.3
5. Germany - 55:44.5
-
13. USA - 58:25.0
(Wendy Wagner, Park City, Utah; Tessa Benoit, South Pomfret, Vt.; Barb Jones, Bozeman, Mont.; Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, Alaska)

STROBL FASTEST IN DOWNHILL TRAINING

Snowbasin, UT (Feb. 22, 2001) - The second and final day of training for the Chevy Truck Grizzly Downhill World Cup took place Thursday with Austrian Fritz Strobl recording the fastest time.

The conditions on the 2002 Olympic course were a bit harder than Wednesday's, but warm temperatures and soft snow were still prevalent. However, racers did post faster times Thursday.

Strobl's time of 1:41.89 topped the field of 62 competitors. American Chris Puckett (Boulder, CO) was second on the results sheet with a time of 1:42.38, but he missed several gates on the trip down. Austrian Werner Franz was third with a 1:42.76, Switzerland's Silvano Beltrametti was fourth with a 1:42.80 and Austrian Hermann Maier was fifth, posting a 1:43.05.

World super G champion Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, Calif.) was the top American finisher for the second day in a row, placing eighth with a time of 1:43.40.

"It's a challenging course, I like it top to bottom," said Rahlves. "It's tough to ski on soft snow. It takes a lot of energy. With harder snow, the ski will pretty much do most of the work. If you really have to fight the line, you get tired. I'm feeling it down here (at the finish line). I played a little too much basketball yesterday afternoon."

Rahlves skied the entire course flawlessly until making a slight bobble on the steep finish pitch.

"It's sticky and there's like a little bump there," said Rahlves. "I let 'em (his skis) go a little too much. It's really soft snow, so I caught an edge. If I'm not putting a limb down, it's not that close (to crashing)."

Chad Fleischer (Vail, CO) was the next-best American, finishing 19th with a 1:45.05.

"The snow's in a little better shape," said Fleischer. "I skied good on the top and I skied really well on the very bottom. I made a few critical errors - over the Arrowhead jump and right after the Muzzleloader jump. That just dogs you because it's pretty flat from there."

Despite the soft conditions, most racers have been stoked with the course. For a majority of them, Wednesday's training run was the first time they had ever skied Grizzly.

"I like it very much, it's very steep and technical," said Austrian Stephan Eberharter, who finished sixth. "Fast turns, hard turns, I like that. It's a good test (for the Olympics). It's a little bit harder (the snow) than yesterday. There's so many downhills on ice and harder snow, I like to be here now."

"I love the course, I think it's great," said Fleischer. "I mean, Beaver Creek's (Colorado) an outstanding course and I really didn't think there was another course that could rival that in the USA. It's good to see the Europeans are finding that the American ski hills are capable of building a world-class downhill."

Puckett was one of the few skiers that has competed on the course as he won a Chevy Truck Super Series downhill on Grizzly Feb. 10. Despite missing some gates Thursday, Puckett remains optimistic for this weekend's races.

"I made all those gates in all of the Nor Ams and all the training runs. It's the first time I've missed gates on this course."

The first of two downhills, which is a makeup from Wengen, Switzerland, is scheduled for a 10:00 a.m. MST start Friday. The second downhill will be run Saturday with a super G on Sunday.

Chevy Truck Grizzly Downhill World Cup
Snowbasin, Utah
February 22, 2001
Training #2

1. Fritz Strobl, Austria, 1:41.89
2. Chris Puckett, Boulder, Colo., 1:42.38*
3. Werner Franz, Austria, 1:42.76
4. Silvano Beltrametti, Switzerland, 1:42.80
5. Hermann Maier, Austria, 1:43.05
6. Stephan Eberharter, Austria, 1:43.18
7. Hannes Trinkl, Austria, 1:43.39
8. Daron Rahlves, Sugar Bowl, Calif., 1:43.40
9. Paul Accola, Switzerland, 1:43.45
10. Josef Strobl, Austria, 1:43.74

T19. Chad Fleischer, Vail, Colo., 1:45.05
24. Marco Sullivan, Tahoe City, Calif., 1:45.36
39. Jakub Fiala, Frisco, Colo., 1:46.15
51. Scott Macartney, Redmond, Wash., 1:47.00

WORLD JUNIORS SNOWBOARD TEAM NAMED

Park City, UT (Feb. 22, 2001) - The U.S. Team for the 2001 FIS World Junior Snowboard Championships, to be held March 7-10 in Nassfeld, Austria, was named Thursday.

Last season's winners included U.S. Snowboard Team rider Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT). The reigning halfpipe champion will not compete this year so she can take a short break from competition. Swedish rider Anton Bergsten won the men's pipe event at last season's Juniors. Austrian Andreas Promegger and France's Julie Pomagalski were the PGS victors.

THE TEAM
Halfpipe-Men
Trevor Brown, Sun Valley, Idaho
Wyatt Caldwell, Sun Valley, Idaho
Stephan Clausen, Sacramento, Calif.
Charlie Morace, Newtown, Conn.
Travis Rice, Jackson, Wyo.

Halfpipe-Women
Bianca Berger, Park City, Utah
Megan Klammer, Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
Maryl Winterscheid, Alexandria, Virginia

Alpine-Men
Justin Goto, Silverthorne, Colo.
Zachary Kay, Mount Shasta, Calif.
Jonathan Laurence, Rockport, Maine
Quinn Orb, Ketchum, Idaho
Darren Ratcliffe, Evergreen, Colo.
Eric Warren, Bennington, Vermont
Graham Watanabe, Sun Valley, Idaho

Alpine-Women
Claire Cetera, Sun Valley, Idaho
Michelle Gorgone, Sudbury, Mass.
Jenn Macdonald, Madison, New Hampshire

THE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 7 - opening ceremony
Thursday, March 8 - men's and women's halfpipe
Friday, March 9 - men's and women's parallel giant slalom
Saturday, March 10 - men's and women's parallel slalom

MERISTAR RESORTS & HOTELS AND AMERICAN SKIING REVISE SHARE EXCHANGE RATIO

Washington, DC and Newry, ME (Feb. 22, 2001) - MeriStar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: MMH), the nation's largest independent hotel management company, and American Skiing Company (NYSE: SKI), the nation's largest ski resort operating company, today announced that they have revised the share exchange ratio of their previously announced merger agreement.

Under terms of an agreement announced in December 2000, MeriStar Hotels & Resorts will merge into American Skiing Company in a tax-free, stock-for-stock merger, and American Skiing Company will be renamed Doral International. According to the original merger terms, each share of MeriStar stock would have been exchanged for 1.88 shares of Doral International. Under the revised exchange ratio, each share of MeriStar stock will be exchanged for 1.75 shares of Doral International. American Skiing shares will remain outstanding and American Skiing will change its name to Doral International.

"The change in the exchange ratio is the result of lower leakage from our leased hotels in the fourth quarter of 2000 and our expectation that management fees for the next several periods will be lower than we previously anticipated," said Paul Whetsell, chairman and chief executive officer of MeriStar. "Although top-line revenue growth at our leased hotels continued to be strong, we were not able to benefit at the bottom line due to increased lease payments and higher operating costs, particularly for energy, insurance and guest loyalty programs.

"With the conversion of the majority of our leases to management contracts, we enter 2001 with a more stable, predictable earnings stream with excellent growth potential. The management fees under the new management contracts approximate the leakage that would have been earned under the previous lease agreements and carry a more clear alignment of interest. The new management contracts have a base fee of 2.5 percent and, including incentive fees, can increase to as much as 4.0 percent of total revenues. As a result of the decreased leakage prior to conversion, our expected total fees in 2001 have changed from 2.75-3.25 percent to 2.5-3.0 percent."

Leslie B. Otten, chairman of American Skiing, commented, "The formation of Doral International creates a new leader in the year-round leisure business. The new company will have more diversified and less seasonal cash flow than its predecessors and a capital structure to support growth. We are on track to complete the merger transaction by the end of March 2001."

The proxy statement for both companies' shareholders is expected to be mailed on or about February 26. The shareholders meeting will be held in late March 2001 with the merger expected to close by March 31, 2001.

GLADE AND CHUTE BASH TO ROCK JAY PEAK SATURDAY

Jay, VT (Feb. 22, 2001) - Jay Peak, in conjunction with Global TV, FOX44, TELE7, and Mamma.com, will host the first ever "Glade and Chute Bash", sanctioned by the IFSA (International Freeskier Association) on Saturday February 24th, 2001.

Commencing with one qualifying run down the "Green Beret" at 10:30 AM, competitor's skills will be assessed while darting in and out of narrow tree-lined chutes and other obstacles. Skiers who are deemed ready for the challenge will then head to the top of Jay Peak for one judged run down Jay's Face Chute, directly underneath the summit tram terminal. With only a handful of carved chutes, skiers who use creativity in innovating lines down the face will score well. Large twenty+ foot drops dominate the landscape of The Face, promising to add an extra dimension of excitement to this competition. After the run down The Face, the top twenty competitors will move to the actual summit of Jay Peak, to take one judged run down the most extreme run on the mountain: The Saddle. Demanding ultimate concentration, The Saddle chute will allow competitors to combine technique, control, and line choice in order to take home cash, prizes, and boasting rights.

An awards bash with over $2000US cash and a slew of prizes from Salomon, SMITH, Leedom, and KAMIK to name a few will take place starting at 4 pm in Jay Peak's International room. The band Barry and the Penetrators will perform from 4-6 PM and then again from 9 PM until 1 AM.

Judging will reflect IFSA sanctioned criteria. Judging the competition will be Joe Cutts (Ski Magazine), Nate Abbot (Freeze Magazine, US Open 2000 judge), John Dostal (SKIING/Backcountry Magazines), and local extreme skier John Egan. One more judge is yet to be named and will be announced prior to the competition, bringing the total amount of judges to five. Registration is $25US ($35 CDN)and the competition is open to the first 200 people who sign up on race day by 9 a.m. No one under the age of 16 will be permitted to enter the event, and competitors ages 16 & 17 must have a parent present to sign a release waiver on competition morning. No notes of permission will be accepted. Helmet use is mandatory. Registration will be between 7:30 and 9 a.m. on the day of the event.

KILLINGTON HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL RETRO BOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS MARCH 3

Killington, VT (Feb. 22, 2001) - At the Second Annual National Retro Board Championships March 3, 2000 at Killington, snowboarders will find that their tired old rides are not quite dead yet. Snowboarders are encouraged to resurrect their Snurfers, Burton Elite, Fastek Bindings, or Sorels with felt liners and join snowboarding’s founders in a fun celebration of their favorite winter toys.

“The Retro Board Championships really brings history to the table," said Killington’s Director of Snowboarding Eric Webster. “With Killington's snowboarder population contributing to almost 30 percent of guests here at the Resort, it's really amazing to see how far this sport has come. The event is meant to evoke memories of the originals of our sport. The idea is to have fun, compete a little and remember the early days."

The Retro Board Championships begin at 10 a.m. with a dual giant slalom on the Highline Race trail. Between noon and 2 p.m. everyone is invited to catch air at the Kicker Contest and then head to the halfpipe for the jam session between 2 and 4 p.m. Old-school snowboarders may compete in teams or individually. Teams of two send one rider to the GS and the second to the pipe, and individuals can hark back to the early days of snowboarding at both events. The kicker contest is open to everyone.

The events will be scored based on rider performance and age of equipment. The benchmark year is 1990, and each vintage older than 1990 will be awarded a half second off the rider’s posted time in the GS. In the halfpipe, for every year pre-1990 a point will be added to the rider’s score. Extra seconds will be subtracted and points added for no Highbacks on the bindings, no edges, and Fins. Prizes will also be awarded for the best classic clothing, the oldest board, the oldest boots, etc.

The "retro" cost is $35 and includes entry fee, T-shirt and lift pass for the day. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Killington Base Lodge.

SNOWBIRD RIDERS BOARD FOR BREAST CANCER THIS SATURDAY

Snowbird, UT (Feb. 22, 2001) - The annual Boarding for Breast Cancer fund-raiser returns to Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort Saturday, Feb. 24. The daylong activities combine the fun of snowboarding at Snowbird while raising awareness and funds for the deadly disease.

By raising at least $75 through individual or corporate sponsors, participants receive a half-price Snowbird lift ticket as well as admission to the daylong activities. Proceeds benefit the Boarding for Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Wellness House of Salt Lake City.

Throughout the day, events will be taking place in Snowbird's Gad Valley, including halfpipe exhibitions and competitions as well as breast cancer education exhibits. The action moves to the Plaza Deck at 3:30 p.m. with live music from the Square Pegs. The fund-raising concludes with Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons performing live at 7 p.m. in the Cliff Lodge Ballroom.

BERGOUST RETURNS TO BIG MOUNTAIN

Whitefish, MT (Feb. 22, 2001) - Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder, Eric Bergoust will return to Big Mountain for one day of jump hill training on Sunday, February 25th. Film crews from NBC Sports in New York City will be filming for "The Olympic Show," a weekly half-hour program focusing on Olympic personalities, past Olympic moments and competitions related to the Salt Lake Games in 2002.

"Montana is a special place and Eric Bergoust is a special athlete," said Holly Buchan, Associate Producer for NBC OLYMPICS. "We aim to capture the essence and personality of Eric and what better place to do so than in the stunning mountains he grew up on -- near those places where he took his very first jumps."

Film crews will spend Saturday in Missoula interviewing Bergoust and his family. On Sunday they will capture him jumping and training at Big Mountain. "The Olympic Show" airs every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET on CNBC. Bergoust's segment has not yet been scheduled.

For the past two winters, Bergoust has trained on Big Mountain's freestyle jump hill with the local freestyle ski team. At the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan, Bergoust won a gold medal in the freestyle aerial event and broke the world record with his score. Last season he captured his third national championship and is currently ranked number one in the world. He now lives in Park City, Utah and is a hopeful for a second Olympic gold medal in the 2002 Games.

"I'm looking forward to getting a lot of landings under my belt," said Bergoust. "I wish my schedule would let me spend three or four days on the jump hill, but this is still an awesome opportunity for me to work on some basics in my jumping technique and do some training with the local kids."

Big Mountain Resort, in conjunction with the Flathead Valley Ski Foundation, constructed its Freestyle Jump Hill in 1997. The world-class Freestyle Aerial Site at the base of the "Big Ravine" ski run is used primarily by the Mountain's Freestyle Team during the ski season and meets the requirements for world-class aerialists to perform triple flips with multiple twists.

Bergoust and the local squad will prep the jump hill starting at 9 AM on Sunday, February 25. They will jump from 11 AM to Noon and 1 to 3 PM. At 3 PM Bergoust will perform an aerial show with the local team. He will sign autographs and display his gold medal from 3:30 to 4:30 PM at Moguls Village Pub and from 4:30 to 5:30 at the 'Stube. At 7:30 PM. he will greet Montana Special Olympics athletes at the opening ceremonies for the State Winter Games.

9th ANNUAL GMC BRIEFCASE RACE AT LOON MARCH 3

Lincoln, NH (Feb. 22, 2001) - The 9th Annual GMC Briefcase Race with Mike Lynch will be held at Loon Mountain Saturday, March 3. This annual event raises money for Faulkner Breast Centre Research Fund at Boston's Faulkner Hospital.

Teams of 5 dressed in full business attire (3-piece suits, coveralls, scrubs, or uniforms of any kind) race on a dual-slalom course in front of the Governor's Lodge. Each racer must also carry a soft covered briefcase through the course. The entry fee per team is $500 and includes a lift ticket, briefcase, goody bag, T-shirt and lunch. Individuals can also enter for $100 per person.

At the end of the day there will be a live-auction and awards party at Babe' s in the Governor's Lodge. Auction items include airline tickets, ski and stay packages, and tickets to the Winston Cup Race at New Hampshire International Speedway. Prizes will be awarded to the Top Three Teams, Worst Suit, Tackiest Tie, Most Impressive Crash, Most Creative Team Uniform, and Best Excuse for a Slow Time.

The Faulkner Breast Centre has treated over 10,000 patients with breast cancer, and is actively involved in clinical research to broaden medical knowledge about the causes and effective treatments of breast disease. Projects initiated by the Centre include the study of new techniques in diagnosing breast lesions and alternatives to surgical biopsy among many others.

Raffle tickets are now on sale for a 2001 GMC Jimmy SLE. Tickets cost $10 each or 3 for $25 and can be purchased at Loon. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the day, during the awards and auction party at Babe's.

FOURTH ANNUAL FULL SAIL ALE DICK'S DITCH CLASSIC SCHEDULED AT JACKSON HOLE

Jackson Hole, WY (Feb. 22, 2001) - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is pleased to continue the tradition of one of the most technical race events in the country. The Full Sail Ale Dick's Ditch Classic is a two-day event including a Banked Slalom at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 3, 2001 and a Halfpipe Competition at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 4, 2001. New this year, both the banked slalom and the halfpipe competition will be open to skiers.

Cash prize amounts will be determined by number of skiing competitors, who can register at Hole in the Wall Snowboard Shop through Friday, March 2, 2001. Online registration is also available at www.jacksonhole.com/ddcsignup. Registration costs are $40 per event or $55 for both events. There will be a mandatory competitors meeting at 4:30 pm on Friday, March 2 at the events tent at the base of the Resort. Competitors must pay in cash for their entry fee and lift tickets (discounted at $28) at this meeting. At the meeting, competitors will also declare their pro or amateur status, receive their bibs and event regulations.

The banked terrain slalom course, located off of Lupine Way, through Dude's Ditch to Dick's Ditch, will be open in sections for course inspection the week prior to the competition, with a full course inspection on Friday, March 2. There will not be an opportunity for practice runs on the day of the race.

The Full Sail Ale Beer Garden and Demo Center will offer spectators and competitors a place to meet and mingle, with music, food and beverages provided by event sponsor Full Sail Ale. The Dick's Ditch Awards Party at 4:30 pm on Saturday, March 3 at the events tent will provide all competitors with free food, drink, music and prizes. The awards for the halfpipe competition will be presented immediately following the competition at the halfpipe.

MAMMOTH COMMITS ONE DOLLAR PER TICKET TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Mammoth Lakes, CA (Feb. 22, 2001) - This Sunday, February 25, Mammoth and June Mountain Ski Areas will donate one dollar for every lift ticket purchased to the Surfrider Foundation's Snowrider Project.

Launched by the Surfrider Foundation in 1997, the goal of the Snowrider Project is to increase the public's understanding of the hydrological cycle and the intimate connections between the snow, land and surf.

Mammoth is making this donation to the Snowrider Project as part of the celebration surrounding the kick-off of National Ski Areas Association's (NSAA) Sustainable Slopes Environmental Charter.

The Environmental Charter was developed by NSAA with input from partnering organizations and ski resorts throughout the United States, including Mammoth Mountain staff members. Intended to be an educational tool, the charter provides resorts with a framework to help implement sound resource conservation practices, assess environmental performance, and set goals for future improvements.

On Saturday, February 24, Ski Area and Snowrider personnel will be available at educational kiosks at Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge and The Chalet at June Mountain. Stop by for a free gift (while supplies last) and more information on the Environmental Charter and environmental programs currently underway or planned for future implementation at Mammoth and June Mountain Ski Areas.

The Surfrider Foundation is a national organization founded to protect the planet's coastal zones. It currently has approximately 30,000 members, with 60 percent living in California.

SKIERS TRAIN ON GRIZZLY

Snowbasin, UT (Feb. 21, 2001) - The Chevy Truck Grizzly Dowhill World Cup got underway Wednesday with the first training run of the week on the 2002 Olympic course.

The training start was delayed 30 minutes to 11:30 a.m. until the clouds and fog that hung over the course lifted. The sun broke through and temperatures were quite warm - good for the spectators but not as good for the course as recent snowfall, coupled with the warm air, made conditions soft for the racers.

Austrians filled the top three spots in training as Stefan Eberharter was first in 1:42.69 and teammates Hermann Maier and Josef Strobl tied for second in 1:43.93. Switzerland's Silvano Beltrametti was fourth in 1:45.28 and Norwegian Lasse Kjus rounded out the top five, recording a 1:44.43.

The top American finisher was newly-crowned World Champion Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) in 11th position with a 1:45.81. Rahlves won the super G at the FIS World Championships Jan. 30 in St. Anton, Austria, just ten days after taking third in the Hahnenkamm downhill at Kitzbuehel, Austria.

Marco Sullivan (Tahoe City, CA) posted an impressive run out of the 34th start spot, finishing as the second-fastest American in 14th place with a 1:46.09. Sullivan was third in a Chevy Truck Super Series downhill on the course Feb. 9.

Unlike Sullivan, many of the racers had never set a ski on the course prior to Wednesday. It was the first time in history the Grizzly downhill has been run - start to finish - on the World Cup tour. It features super steep start and finish pitches with several big air sections.

Rahlves and teammate Chad Fleischer (Vail, CO), who finished 31st Wednesday, got a taste of the Grizzly this past September as they hiked the course prior to any snowfall.

"I just have to sink my teeth into it (the course)," said Fleischer. "I have to take risks and go for it - see what I can get away with. I just gotta dig deep, go for it and have fun."

"Like Chad said, you gotta really try to go after it," said Rahlves, the January USOC Athlete of the Month. "Today, I tried to push myself a lot at the top and had some problems there. You have to be smart. You can get way behind very quickly and lose a lot of time."

A second training run will take place Thursday before the inaugural Chevy Truck Grizzly Downhill race gets underway Friday with a 10:00 a.m. MST start. A second downhill is on tap Saturday with a super G on Sunday.

Chevy Truck Grizzly Downhill World Cup
Snowbasin, Utah
February 21, 2001
Men's Training #1

February 21-28, 2001

INDEX

STREET, SULLIVAN WIN NOR AM DOWNHILLS