Karina Schwartznau
The women resumed the NorAm calendar this week at Stratton Mountain. While the men were 150 miles north, both races experienced heavy rain and warm temperatures that left challenging conditions.
University of Denver (DU) ladies took back-to-back wins, celebrating victory in the rain.
Day 1
Sweden World Cup skier Sara Rask joined the pioneers this year, taking her long list of podium finishes and results to DU. After her first NorAm podium at the opening Copper series, Rask came out of the first run strong for the lead. Teammates Reece Bell and Nora Brand sat in third and fifth, respectively.
The second run went to Brand and Rask, both in a field of their own and leading the run by over a second. Rask secured her victory by finishing second in the second run. Brand’s second run left her just off the top spot by 0.07 seconds.
Stifel U.S. tech member Allie Resnick rounded out the podium in third. After a first run in sixth place, Resnick performed a strong second run that earned her bronze by 0.01 seconds over Bell.
“It was definitely a fight to get down the hill,” said Resnick. “It was absolutely pouring rain during the second run, but the course crew and coaches did a great job maintaining the surface the best they could. I am very happy to cross the finish line twice and end up on the podium.”
Day 2
The pioneers came out strong on day two. Fortunately, momentum from the first day was with Rask once again. She came out strong with the fastest first run time. In a near repeat from the first day, Brand skied the fastest second run. This time, Brand overcame teammate Rask for her first NorAm win. Rask finished with silver 0.10 seconds behind Brand.
It was a DU podium sweep, with teammate Reece Bell in third. Bell did not race in the previous season due to injury. This was her first week back racing since her injury.
Stifel U.S. members Kjersti Moritz and Allie Resnick finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Unfortunately, the GS races were canceled due to continued rain.
“The weather continued to stay warm and led to the cancellation of the GS races,” said Resnick. “There are no great conditions for ski racing anywhere in the world right now, and I think we are all hoping that temperatures will lower and surfaces will improve soon.”
NorAm Overall Standings Update
Rask has overtaken the slalom and overall NorAm titles led by Kiki Alexander. Alpine Canada member Alexander sustained an ACL, MCL, and LCL tear following a crash while training GS at Val di Fassa.
“I got twisted, off balance, and crashed,” said Alexander. “I should be getting surgery soon, and from there, rehab to be back for next season.”
