ASPEN, CO (Nov 30) - Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO) had a fast morning at the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational, winning the first run. But she overskied the second run and dropped to fifth. Nicole Hosp of Austria took the win, improving from seventh place after the first run. Shiffrin remained second in the overall Audi FIS Ski World Cup standings, and is eighth in slalom after two races.
With just a slight lead over Tina Maze after the first run, Shiffrin cited her nerves. “I was really nervous at the start and was a little stiff on the first run,” said Shiffrin. “I just have to not let the nerves impede my skiing.” Although she said she wasn’t as nervous second run, she did remark, “I have some training to do.”
Ever the student of her sport, Shiffrin took the day as another learning experience. "Today was a big confidence builder for me, especially after the first run when I was so nervous and still had a winning run. It’s better to have the nerves now than February."
29-year-old Resi Stiegler (Jackson Hole, WY) was the other story of the day, attacking from the back and grabbing 11th place in her first run. In the second run, she maintained her first run result, finishing in 11th overall. “I was trying to stick to my plan. I know I’m fast and I know I’m good,” said Stiegler. “That was part of my problem last year: I didn’t believe in myself. I have to stop thinking so much.”
Paula Moltzan (Lakeville, MN) had a few bobbles in the first run before a big crash and did not finish. Hailey Duke (Boise, ID) missed the flip and did not qualify for the second run.
The women’s speed team heads next to Lake Louise, AB for downhill and super G races. The tech team does not race until December 13 in Courchevel, France.
QUOTES
Mikaela Shiffrin
Today was a big confidence builder for me, especially after the first run when I was so nervous and still had a winning run. It’s better to have the nerves now than February. I think slalom is the hardest event; you have to do it every day to get good at it. I had to think about the best skiing I’ve had. Slalom is there—it’s in my muscles—and I know I can do it.
I’m processing this better result better than Levi. After Levi I wanted to sit on the ground and scream. Now I know I can go watch the video and figure out where I can improve in GS and slalom. It didn’t surprise me that I got fifth today. It makes more sense today. I wasn’t loose enough in my legs to handle the grippy snow. One second is not hard to lose.
The conditions were good and it was really aggressive snow. Mostly, I have a little bit of work to do with my slalom. I know I can win in GS and slalom, but I have to bring the best out of myself. I’m trying to get back to the skiing where I can get back into the gate with confidence.
Resi Stiegler
I knew the girls were holding back a little bit and the course was easier. I watched the girl in front of me and knew I had to hammer it. I knew I made a mistake in the first run, but I had to keep going.
I was trying to stick to my plan. I know I’m fast and I know I’m good. That was part of my problem last year: I didn’t believe in myself. I have to stop thinking so much.
Patrick Riml, U.S. Ski Team Alpine Director
It’s important when you make a mistake to keep charging. Today in the first run, Mikaela had a little hiccup at the top, kept charging and was still leading the run. Second run there was a lot of pressure on her. She made a mistake and couldn’t quite get back into it from that point to the bottom.
It’s still a great result. She’s skiing well and she’ll be back on top soon.
Resi did a great job and I’m very happy for her - two good results to start the season. It’s just a matter of time before she’s in the top five again.
RESULTS
Official Results
