Women’s downhill canceled; U.S. aerialists disappoint

USSA

VAL d’ISERE, France — After more than two hours delay due to low visibility on the Oreiller-Killy course in Val d’Isere, officials finally canceled today’s women’s downhill World Cup. It was not immediately known if and when it would be rescheduled.

It was a tough break for the U.S. Ski Team’s Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO), who had dominated downhill training earlier in the week and had picked up a convincing win in Friday’s super combined.

Frigid temperatures were the story of a disappointing day for the U.S. in the FIS Freestyle World Cup aerials opener in Changchun, China, today. Americans Emily Cook (Belmont, MA) and Jeret “Speedy” Peterson (Boise, ID) made finals, with Cook’s eighth leading the way. Belarus skier Anton Kushnir took the win while the Chinese women swept the podium.

Temperatures dipping to minus 12 Fahrenheit greeted skiers for the opener. China dominated the competition, grabbing five of six podium positions, cracked only by Kushnir’s second career win at 247.15. Xinxin Guo won for the women with 206.09.

Scotty Bahrke of  Tahoe City placed 21st with a 89.38.