It was another exciting race day in Watles with Marielle Thompson (CAN) back on top of the podium and Jonas Lenherr (SUI) scoring his first-ever World Cup win. The race provided spectacular emotions with plenty of incredible passes and tough fights to the finish
Yesterday, athletes had to deal with the strong side wind, today they faced heavy snowfall, making the conditions challenging again. With fresh snow accumulating on the course, choosing the right line was crucial. Andrea Limbacher, who finished third yesterday, was just one of the “bad line” victims. Leading her quarterfinal heat, she took the wrong side of the last jump, resulting in her early elimination.
Marielle Thompson finished the weekend with a big smile on her face, showing consistency all day. In the Big Final, Thomssom caught David Ophelie (FRA) and then took advantage of clinching Anna Holmlund (SWE) and Heidi Zacher (GER). She got ahead of both of them on the inside turn and kept the lead until the end.
“It’s really good to be back on top," said Thompson “We had some issues with the weather here, but at the end the organizers pulled off both races. Watles is a great course and I hope we can come back next year” she finished.
Holmlund finished the day in the second, earning another 80 points in the overall World Cup standings. After seven races, she has more than 200 points more than Alizee Baron (FRA).Third place went to Zacher, her second podium of the season.
On the men's side it was the Swiss duo of Jonas Lenherr and Alex Fiva going one and two, respectively. Lenherr scored his first-ever World Cup win and was nearly speechless after crossing the finish line. He stayed calm in the big final, first capitalizing on Brady Leman’s (CAN) mistake and then working his way through the roller section to pass his teammate Fiva.
“It was a great day today and it feels awesome to stand on the podium with Alex” said Lenherr. “I’m looking forward to the next race and hope I will be able to repeat my performance” he added.
Brady Leman rounded out the podium gaining ground on Jean Frederic Chapuis (FRA) in the World Cup standings. He now trails by only 60 points making things very interesting for next weekend's race in Nakiska (CAN).
The Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup moves to North America for one race on Saturday in the traditional venue of Nakiska (CAN).
Ladies' Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup standings
Men's Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup standings
GEPA Picture photos (for editorial use)
Source: fis-ski.com
