Industry News
The second day of World Cup skiing concluded in Olympic Valley at Palisades Tahoe, California, on Sunday, February 25, with a victory by Manuel Feller of Austria, his fourth of the season. France’s Clement Noel took second place, while German Linus Strasser finished third. Following today’s race, the FIS World Cup standings have Feller, Strasser, and Noel in first, second, and third place respectively. American Jett Seymour was awarded the Stifel Bibbo Award for the best advancement in today’s race, starting at 39th and finishing in 15th place. Seymour was the only member of the U.S. team to qualify for the second run, and last year’s defending champion Alexander Steen Olsen did not make the top 30.
Featuring 69 racers from 20 countries, including six U.S. athletes, the men’s Slalom race took on 66 gates along 721 feet (220 meters) of vertical descent. In the first run, 11 competitors did not finish, while five more did not finish the second run. The Swiss Slalom skiers were racing with a black armband in memory of Kevin Holdener, who had passed away after a long battle with cancer at only 34 years of age. Kevin was the brother of ski racer Wendy Holdener, who specializes in Slalom skiing, and had been a ski racer himself until the devastating cancer diagnosis at only 20 years of age.
“After a dramatic finish here last year and with the world’s top Slalom racers still fighting it out for this season’s overall title, we were thrilled to showcase our incredible Red Dog course for today’s competition. With blue skies and loud crowds, it was an honor to bring World Cup racing back to North Lake Tahoe and celebrate the rich ski heritage of Palisades Tahoe.”
— Patrick Lacey, spokesperson at Palisades Tahoe
The eighth stop on the World Cup circuit, Palisades Tahoe challenged the men’s Slalom competitors with a high-speed course thanks to ideal conditions, dedicated course and slip crews, and a host of event volunteers. Sunday brought a festive atmosphere to the entire Village at Palisades Tahoe following Saturday’s historic Giant Slalom race and free concert headlined by Ludacris, including après ski parties, an impressive vendor village, and lively grandstands full of local and visiting fans alike.
