Men's GS In Solden Canceled

Sunday's men's season-opening World Cup giant slalom race in the Austrian resort of Sölden has been cancelled due to strong winds.

The race got underway on time from the lower, reserve start gate and 47 of the 73 skiers on the start list participated in the first of two runs, but the conditions did not allow the race to continue.

“Due to the extreme wind for the rest of the day and for safety and fairness to all racers, the jury together with the OC (Organizing Committee) and the OSV (Austrian Ski Federation) have decided to cancel today's giant slalom race,” said FIS organizers.

"The decision was pretty easy, unfortunately," said Markus Waldner, FIS Chief Race Director Alpine Men.

"We just double checked with GeoSphere Center in Innsbruck and they just confirmed that the tendency was increasing the wind and not expecting a window, so no chance to complete the first run."

Of the skiers who completed their first run, Marco Schwarz (AUT) had the fastest time of 51.85 seconds, 0.29s ahead of pre-race favourite Marco Odermatt (SUI) in second place.

"A little bit disappointed but that's part of the game and you can't change the weather," Schwarz said. "It won't be fair with this wind so it was the right decision."

The next stop on the men's Audi FIS World Cup tour will be in Zermatt, Switzerland, for two downhill races on 11 and 12 November.