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Luke Winters secured an 11th place finish in the Garmisch, Germany FIS World Cup night slalom on Wednesday, the best Stifel U.S. Alpine Team result in men’s slalom this season. It was a well-fought result in extremely difficult conditions.
“It feels good to get one in there and to have a second run,” said Winters on his successful day. “I knew I had to take advantage of the second run start position, and I thought I did what I could. I felt pretty good about my run crossing the finish line.”
During first run, the conditions showed through the athletes’ times. The later the racer went, the worse the snow got with ruts and dishes from the spring-like conditions, but Winters tried his best to take advantage.
“With the conditions, your start number helped a lot, and it was tough, but I do enjoy these days. I grew up on this snow and it’s kind of nice to have the struggle because then you also see the top guys struggle as well,” said Winters, who hails from Mt. Hood, Oregon.
The top three finishers for the race included Norwegian skier Henrik Kristoffersen in first, Manuel Feller of Austria in second and Clement Noel of France in third.
Stifel U.S. Alpine Team athletes Ben Ritchie did not finish first run, and Jett Seymour fought his way through the difficult conditions to land in 53rd position.
The Stifel U.S. Alpine Team men will now look to Adelboden for a men’s giant slalom and slalom series January 7-8.
RESULTS
Men’s slalom results
