ASHIKAWA, Japan (Mar. 1, 2015)—On a snowy day in Ashikawa, Japan, Olympian Justin Reiter (Steamboat Springs, CO) took home his best FIS Alpine Snowboard World Cup result, nabbing second place at the parallel slalom on Saturday.
This is the third career World Cup podium finish for Reiter, who also earned 2013 World Championships silver medalist in parallel giant slalom. In a heated head-to-head final, Reiter was on mark to take down current world cup leader, Slovania’s Zan Kosir, but a small mistake cost him the victory. Kosir, a two-time 2014 Olympic silver medalist, won his third World Cup in a row and Mirko Felicetti of Italy took third.
“I have always wanted to podium in Japan and I couldn't be happier to have accomplished that goal,” said Reiter about his result. “But second is always bittersweet. I felt I could win today, but a mistake in the final run cost me.”
Reiter’s second place finish moves him into fourth place in the tour standings in parallel slalom.
The FIS Alpine Snowboarding World cup Tour continues in Moscow, Russia on March 7.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Michael Trapp (Steamboat Springs, CO) was the only other U.S. athlete to compete in Ashikawa. He finished 28th.
- This was Justin Reiter’s third World Cup podium and best World Cup result.
- Reiter last podiumed in Sudelfeld, Germany in February 2014.
- Reiter finished in sixth place in Saturday’s parallel giant slalom, keeping him in the top 10 in that discipline, overall.
QUOTES
Justin Reiter
Today was a blast! The organizers did an amazing job. I have always wanted to podium in Japan and I couldn't be happier to have accomplished that goal. But second is always bittersweet. I felt I could win today, but a mistake in the final run cost me.
RESULTS
Men’s official results
Women’s official results
