Where to Ski And Snowboard - Hoelzl wins in Aspen

Hoelzl wins in Aspen

29th November 2009, by Chris Gill

Aspen

Aspen’s technical downhill course didn’t faze Kathrin Hoelzl of Germany, when she skied to victory in the women’s giant slalom there on Saturday 28 November.

Hoelzl 25 had an excellent first run in the Aspen Winternational World Cup Giant Slalom, clocking one minute 3.7 seconds on the Lower Ruthies Run. A safe second run put her ahead of close rival, Austria’s Kathrin Zettel. A young Italian skier Federica Brigone, skiing in just her fourth World Cup, took third place. US superstar Lindsey Vonn clipped a rock on her first run, which put her out of the second run. And the UK’s Chemmy Alcott also failed to finish.

Hoelzl lies third in the overall World Cup standings - led by Finn Tanja Poutiainen after three races – and second behind Zettel in the GS standings. Apsen’s racing course was said to be especially icy, even for a world cup event. Hoelzl described it as ‘aggressive’ and Zettel as ‘really tough’.

Both Snowmass and Aspen Mountain are open for the new season, with top-to-bottom skiing – there has been some light snowfall this week, although Colorado hasn’t experienced any significant dumps for a while. More is on the way though, according to local weather reports.

Meanwhile, the men’s racing teams have been up north in Canada. Despite training delays due to heavy snowfall, the Downhill races were able to go ahead as planned. And three veteran racers took the podium positions: Didier Cuche of Switzerland took first place, ahead of Italy’s Werner Heel and another Swiss racer, Carlo Janka.

The Swiss results continue to strengthen the team’s position. But it was a disappointing race for US racer, Bode Miller, who could only manage 29th position.