Cook, U.S. Ski Team sweep GS

Reports coming in from Coronet Peak in New Zealand have U.S. coaches raving about snow conditions and the incredible support the resort has provided to the U.S. Ski Team. Those reports were substantiated this week as Americans swept a pair of men’s and women’s FIS giant slaloms on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday’s race featured a U.S. Ski Team sweep of both podiums as Truckee’s Stacey Cook led a 1-2-3-4 parade with Chelsea Marshall, Jessica Kelley and Kaylin Richardson atop the women’s field. Erik Schlopy scored the men’s victory with teammates Jimmy Cochran and reigning World Cup giant slalom champion Ted Ligety filling out the top three.

U.S. racers owned the podium again on Wednesday as well, with Megan McJames winning the second GS followed by Cook in second. Warner Nickerson snagged the men’s victory.

“Coronet again has given us everything we need, and it is nice to see the same smiling faces here year after year,” said Cook. “They really welcome us with open arms and take good care of our needs. This is a funny time of year to be racing. No one is up to full speed, but it feeds the competitive spirit to be in the start gate again.”

The races come near the end of three-week training camps at Coronet for both men’s and women’s tech Teams.

Races continue Thursday and Friday from Coronet with a men’s and women’s slalom slated for each day.