Just a quick question. Anybody have an opinion as to whether sitting in the leader's "Audi Chair" during the first run is a bonus? MS sat there for another 60 skiers. Sat. Outside. In the cold and wind. And not in the old style box.
She was only there through the first 15, after which point they ushered her to interviews with ORF, EuroSport, and NBC Sports. Then she did a few more PR things (including a quick interview with Warner Nickerson), then worked the rope line signing autographs.
So not there for 60 racers - thank goodness!
First run observations:
Mikaela was out for blood today, and she executed. The only racer within shouting distance is Wendy Holdener (SUI), but at 0.89 seconds back it is a tough task to make that up. Bernadette Schild, Frida Handotter, and Petra Vlhova are all within 1.5 seconds, but that's still a lot of ground to make up.
Second course looks fairly similar to the first: a lot of swing up top, some rhythm coming into the finish, utilizing all the breakovers in the snow to present some challenge.
Mikaela Shiffrin after her finish (with a shot of Warner Nickerson in his "Team USA" Tipsy Elves one-piece).
Resi Stiegler being interviewed.
A mini Rowmark Ski Academy reunion: me ('91), Hilary Lindh ('87) and Katie Hansein ('18). Today was Hansein's World Cup debut (only lasted about 10 gates before she straddled).