Ford Tough
Julia Ford claims back-to-back U.S.
downhill titles By Eric Williams
February was a special month for Julia Ford of Plymouth, N.H.. She went on a four-win tear on the NorAm
circuit during a seven-race speed stint in Aspen, Colo.
Then she topped it off by winning her second consecutive U.S. downhill title.
Ford, who got her first taste of European World Cup racing this season, now stands just one point behind Abby
Ghent in the NorAm overall lead.
“It’s been a really good year getting more experience
on different hills and different downhills,” said Ford. “My
confidence has built up quite a bit because of that. I just
feel really good when I’m in the start gate and on the
course, and that’s a big part of it.”
Ford took the title by a 0.24-second margin ahead of
Ghent in second and Brooke Wales in third.
On the men’s side, it was a Canadian podium sweep
led by Louis-Pierre Helie. Dustin Cook finished second
followed by Morgan Pridy in third.
Current NorAm downhill leader Ryan Cochran-Siegle
and Thomas Biesemeyer led the Americans tied for
fourth. Cochran-Siegle secured the season’s super G
title, his second in a row, on Feb. 10 in Aspen with a tally
of three wins in the discipline this year.
The U.S. titles for super G, giant slalom, and slalom will
be determined during The Championships (March 28 to
April 1) at Winter Park Resort.
Julia Ford (center, with Abby Ghent and Brooke Wales) earned her second national title a row. Ryan Cochran-Siegle
