8th Place in Kreischberg, Austria

I was back in the finals again today at the FIS World Cup PGS in Kreischberg, Austria. I finished eighth. I won the first run of the quarterfinals with Italian Meinhard Erlacher, but went too straight on the second run and had some issues. I’m pleased to be riding fast and in there. The course ruled today. It was long and the snow was rock hard and grippy – reminded me of training on the World Cup hill at home in Aspen on 1A. It was a good day for our team with three Americans in the finals. My teammate Tyler Jewell finished seventh and Michelle Gorgone was thirteenth. Sigi Grabner won the men’s race for the host country, Swiss rider Simon Schoch finished second and Meinhard Erlacher from Italy third. It was a double win for Austria with Doris Guenther winning the women’s race and retaining her yellow leaders jersey. Japanese racer Tomoka Takeuchi was second and another Austrian and veteran rider Claudia Riegler third. It was great exposure for our sport with the finals broadcast live in Austria on ORF1 and on Eurosports. It was a great show. I’m racing slalom tomorrow. My next PGS race will be World Champs in Korea Jan. 20th. Below are a few shots from today’s race courtesy of FIS Media. Thanks for your support. Talk to you soon,

Kreischberg, Austria FIS World Cup PGS 2009, Photo FIS Media – Oliver Kraus

Kreischberg, Austria World Cup PGS Finals 2009, Photo FIS Media – Oliver Kraus