Kauf wins Dual Moguls opener at Val St. Côme, Viel takes first World Cup
Jan 11, 2026·Freestyle)
It has taken more than a month since the start of the season for a Dual Moguls contest to take place on the World Cup circuit. But all Jaelin Kauf (USA) needed was one chance.
The American won the Dual Moguls season-opener at Val St. Come, showing just why she was racing with the blue bib after winning the Crystal Globe last season.
Racing conditions were tricky for athletes, given the rain the day before that froze overnight. But Kauf, known on tour as a fast and consistent skier, stepped up to the challenge and beat teammate Elizabeth Lemley (USA) 23-12 to win the women’s event.
She said: "I love duals. I just came out to have fun, ski as hard as I could, and I did just that.”
It was a successful opening Dual Moguls outing for the US side, with Americans taking the top four position. Tess Johnson (USA) beat Olivia Giaccio (USA) in the small final to take third place, after the latter caught an edge in their race and lost both skies in the middle section.
Said Kauf: “It’s so amazing having all of us in the top four. We have an incredible team; I’m stoked for all of us.”
In the men’s contest, there was cheer for the home crowd, with Julien Viel (CAN) taking his first career World Cup win.
The 24-year-old’s win did not come easy – he bettered an in-form Ikuma Horishima (JPN) in the big final for victory.
Viel did not cross the finish line first, coming in almost 1.5 seconds slower as Horishima flew into the bottom air. But the Quebec-native showed control and composure can beat out speed in a Dual Moguls competition, taking it 20-15.
He said: “I played it safe today. It’s very dangerous out there. I just did my runs and tried not to injure myself.
Filip Gravenfors (SWE) took third spot, beating Olli Penttala (FIN).
The result ensured that both men’s Moguls and men’s Dual Moguls competitions went to a home favourite, following Mikael Kingsbury’s milestone victory the day before. Kingsbury did not contest the Dual Moguls event.
Viel added: “It’s amazing. Thanks to everyone for coming and cheering for Team Canada. Hearing the crowd at the top… it gives you the last push that you want before the run.”
Moguls skiers will have little time to catch their breath, as the World Cup circuit moves to the Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire from 15-16 January.
QUICK LINKS
Val St. Côme World Cup FIS data page (start lists, results, etc)
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