Men's Downhill in Aspen called due to storm conditions
Mar 03, 2023·Alpine Skiing
The elements were victorious on day one of the weekend in Aspen, Colorado for the men’s skiers of the Audi FIS World Cup tour.
No points were awarded and the results were scratched after officials canceled the men’s downhill race on Friday due to the conditions.
Poor visibility and wind gusts were too much to continue on during the snow storm.
23 skiers were able to make it down the hill before the race was called, not reaching the necessary threshold of 30 for the race to count.
The first seven racers benefitted heavily from clearer conditions. The following skiers posted times much further off the early pace due to the tougher terrain and whistling winds.
Heavy winter conditions have affected the Western United States lately and could further disrupt the men’s races in Aspen this weekend.
Before the race was called, Adrian Smiseth Sejersted (NOR) benefitted from being first out of the gate. The Norwegian set the lead pace and was not bested by the following skiers.
It would have been the first-ever World Cup victory for Sejersted and just his third career podium.
“I was hoping to have a few more minutes so we could have an official race and get a few more racers. It was a perfect run for me. Of course, I had some luck with the weather, but I skied really well. It is a bit frustrating, and I understand the decision, but it is not easy when you have a great run and end up with nothing,” said Sejersted.
Vincent Kreichmayr (AUT) still has an outside chance at the downhill globe, chasing leader Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR). The Austrian put down a smooth run before the cancellation and was sitting in second when the race was called.
The veteran will need to repeat his performance on Saturday to stay in contention for the title.
Kilde could clinch the crystal globe on Saturday.
Kilde started 11th and suffered through the developing conditions and was sitting sixth when the race was called. Overall leader Marco Odermatt (SUI) was sitting 14th after running through the poor conditions as well.
American Ryan Cochran-Siegle (USA) also benefitted from his early start with the fifth bib and was sitting in third in what would have been his third career podium.
Fellow American Travis Ganong (USA) announced his retirement before the race and did not finish. Ganong may get another chance at his final run on Saturday.
