World Cup racing enjoyed one more memorable day at Olympic Valley on Sunday with Alexander Steen Olsen of Norway capturing first place in the Slalom competition at the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup.
Due to conditions, the victory wasn’t an easy one for Olsen. The inbound storm created exacting conditions with overcast skies, snowfall, and blustery winds. It was so challenging that in the first run, 12 skiers didn’t even finish.
Norway teammate Timon Haugan finished second behind Olsen and Albert Popov (BUL) and Clement Noel (FRA) tied for third place before huge crowd of spectators for the second straight day at Palisades Tahoe.
Greek fan favorite AJ Ginnis initially placed first, but was disqualified after the jury ruled he straddled a gate at the top of the second run. While no members of the US Ski Team made the second run, River Radamus did make his World Cup debut Sunday in the Slalom, placing third and just missing the cut.
Billy Major (GBR) was awarded the Stifel Bibbo Award for the best advancement in today’s race – starting at 41st following his first run and ultimately placed 18th on the Red Dog run at Palisades Tahoe.
“It was exciting to welcome the best in the world to one of our favorite runs, and today’s races were made even more challenging by the continued snowfall,” said Patrick Lacey, spokesperson at Palisades Tahoe. “We are so happy to have shared our beautiful terrain and wintery weather with the global ski racing audience, and hope to welcome World Cup competition to our slopes again soon.”
Snow fell consistently throughout Sunday (Feb. 26) ahead of the next storm, which is expected to bring between 49-79 inches of snow to Palisades Tahoe by mid-week.
The Red Dog run was the site of the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup, which drew 60 World Cup skiers in the Giant Slalom race. Despite the conditions, this weekend’s grandstands were full of enthusiastic crowds cheering for athletes from 23 nations, while members of the Sierra Swiss Club cowbell group made sure athletes could hear the crowds from the starting gate.
Fans of ski racing enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere throughout the Village at Palisades Tahoe with concerts from Noah Kahan and 311 Saturday night followed by a fireworks display.
GIANT SLALOM WIN FOR SCHWARZ: Austrian Marco Schwarz won the Giant Slalom on Saturday at Palisades Tahoe.
The 27-year-old skier is ranked fifth in the world in the Giant Slalom. The victory marked just his second World Cup podium. Swiss skier and recent World Champion Marco Odermatt took second place, while Norwegian Rasmus Windingstad was third in his first podium appearance in four years.
USA athlete George Steffey was 21st and teammate Radamus didn’t finish following a missed gate on his second run. Saturday’s race was the first public Stifel Bibbo Award. It went to Belgium skier Sam Maes. The Bibbo Award recognizes the skier who advanced the most between the two runs.
