Olsen Wins, Haugan Second. Popov & Noel Tie For Third In Palisades Tahoe Slalom
The second day of World Cup skiing concluded dramatically today in Olympic Valley with Alexander Steen Olsen and Timon Haugan, both from Norway, taking first and second place respectively. Albert Popov (BUL) and Clement Noel (FRA) tied for third place. 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. Billy Major (GBR) was awarded the Stifel Bibbo Award for the best advancement in today’s race—starting at 41st and ultimately placing 18th.
It was a dramatic finish on the stormy slopes in Lake Tahoe for the men’s slalom race on the Audi FIS World Cup tour. The conditions and visibility worsened as the final 15 skiers in the field took the summit.
AJ Ginnis (GRE) took the lead with a dramatic finish, seeing the green lights by a margin of 0.01 seconds. Ginnis finished atop the standings but after review, the officials determined the Greek skier straddled a gate and was thus disqualified following the completion of the race.
“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.”
“It is so unbelievable, I don’t know what to say. It is insane. The visibility was a challenge but the conditions were okay. You just have to believe in yourself and go,” said Steen Olsen.
“I am from Norway and there is a lot of snow there, it is not just the US so I just went for it,” continued Steen Olsen.
Norway was well represented on the podium as Timon Haugan (NOR) picked up second place. His second career World Cup podium.
“Getting back on the podium has been a big goal for me and has been for years. I am so happy to be back here and with my new equipment, it feels really good,” said Haugan.
Haugan agreed with his Norwegian teammate on the conditions.
“In Norway it snows a lot so we are used to it, and I think it is a big advantage,” said Haugan.
Albert Popov (BUL) and Clement Noel (FRA) moved up for a tie in third place.
It is the first career World Cup podium for Popov after he put down the fastest time during the second runs.
“It is a dream come true. I have been waiting a so much and a long time. The form is good and today I had a little bit of luck and I feel good,” said Popov.
The inbound storm created exacting conditions with overcast skies, snowfall, and blustery winds. In the first run, 12 athletes did not finish. While no members of the US Ski Team made the second run, River Radamus did make his World Cup debut today in the Slalom, placing 32nd and just missing the cut.
Snow fell consistently throughout the day ahead of the next storm, which is expected to bring between 49-79 inches of snow to Palisades Tahoe by midweek. 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.
