Ski Racing - February 27, 2012

STARTHOUSE

The alpine test events in Sochi scored favorable marks from almost all the competitors. Indeed, there was extensive discussion as to how the organizers had given downhill-course-designer extraordinaire Bernhard Russi of Switzerland the opportunity to work his magic. Russi is known for his ability to flow a course using what the mountain has to give. According to the athletes, men and women, he did just that and the result was an exciting design with all the challenges a downhiller could ask for and more tests than found on most Olympic speed tracks.

The Sochi Olympic downhill course could be good, depending on the set.

headquarters’ view of the Berner Oberland massif.

The U S. Winter Sport Discipline Express just keeps on rolling. Since the last issue, let’s see: Kelly Clark kept her dominant pipe streak going. She has won each of her last 14 outings. Fellow Vermonter Hannah Kearney broke a record few thought possible when she went by Ingemar Stenmark’s 15 consecutive World Cup win record with her 16th! What a streak, but like all streaks Hannah’s ended — in her case, with a couple of wobbles in Naeba, Japan. Kikkan Randall continues to lead the women’s cross country sprint competition. With a bundle of races coming up, her crystal chase is far from over, but being in front gives the affable runner from Alaska a real shot.

Yes, there is a Wonder Woman! Fortunately the FIS hasn’t seen fit to challenge her undergarment but we suspect there is a “W” on her chest. Lindsey Vonn once again dominated downhill, adding her fifth globe with her performance at Sochi. Weather there also sealed the combined title for Vonn, which was a bit of revenge after last season’s Lenzerheide Finals debacle. Where she will place the trophies on her already sagging mantelpiece is beyond us, but look at the globe count: all U.S. athletes save Vonn (Cochran, McKinney, Mahre, Street, Miller, Ligety) combine for 22 World Cup titles (both overall and discipline); Lindsey has 14. Unbelievable, and we know there are more to come. How can you say more about Lindsey? She is simply incredibly talented, competitive and, to boot, very nice!

Hank McKee and Eric Williams bring you up to speed on the Sochi 2014 Olympic venues as well as the races in Bansko, Bulgaria. McKee will also catch you up on the dual platform race in Moscow, which is a big deal as the results count for World Cup points. The NCAA Championships are coming up and C.J. Feehan takes a look at who might be vying for individual titles in Bozeman. Bill McCollom ruminates on the foibles and satisfaction of coaching a high school ski team while Emily Cook flashes back to her feelings during Salt Lake’s 2002 Opening Ceremony and thinks about what her reaction might be should the city bid for 2022. Susan Theis caught up with two fast NASTAR sisters from Vail.

Believe it or not, the season is building to its frantic finale. The World Juniors are about to be in full swing and the White Circus is heading to Germany and Scandinavia. There are all kinds of sprints on the nordic schedule. Freestyle comes to Mammoth Mountain, Calif., for a slopestyle and pipe event. Lots of titles at stake. Keep up with it all on our website or with our app. Enjoy the competition. It will be an exciting run. — G.B. Jr.

SALES/MARKETING DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS

CLAIRE ABBE

MARKETPLACE AND CIRCULATION MANAGER

NANCY MERRILL

ART

ART DIRECTOR

RAND PAUL

PHOTOGRAPHERS

JONATHAN SELKOWITZ

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SARAH TUFF

SENIOR EDITOR

HANK MCKEE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ERIC WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTORS

EMILY COOK DAVE PESZEK TIM REYNOLDS SUSAN THEIS

SKI RACING
INTERNATIONAL, LLC
CHAIRMAN/CEO
GARY BLACK JR.
CONTROLLER
ADELE SAVARIA

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