Schleper claims US slalom crown, says 80% sure she'll return

Sarah Schleper is a pro and she demonstrated that in winning her fourth U.S. National Slalom title, and first in five years, at Lake Placid Sunday (March 21).

On a nasty course down Drapers Drop on a slick surface with some deep holes, Schleper put down a large first run lead (.82) over a bunched field behind her. While others struggled through the second heat the 31 year old veteran skied a smart second run, limiting her risk, to claim the win over Canadian Erin Mielzynski by a narrow .13.

Hailey Duke got herself a season closing boost of confidence with third.

The courses deteriorated quickly making for some sloppy looking runs. “It’s a little rugged right now, I’d say rugged is a good word,” said Duke. “The first run held up pretty well, seeing as how I ran two, but it was a little rough on the pitch even when for me.”

Schleper, 31 and a mom, may well have made up her mind to return for the 2011 World Cup tour while talking with the press after the race.

 After reflecting on her past two season, coming back to the Cup tour with an eye on the 2010 Olympics after a season off and the birth of her son Lasse she said “I gave myself a good shot at winning a (Olympic) medal and I felt like I skied with a lot of passion and a lot of heart. I showed how much I love skiing and ski racing… It’s been a hard two years, but we’ve got a good thing going and I  hope we can inspire some young ski racers and keep the tradition going.  … I did secure a top 30 spot in both slalom and GS. … After two years of struggling to get in there, now I’m in there and it’s kind of hard to let go. … I’m actually looking forward to the prep period and helping my teammates get faster.

“I’m probably about 80percent sure (to race next season).”

She added that Lasse enjoys the World Cup tour and has learned a little German and Italian along the way. “He’s got that European education going a little bit,” she said, adding that her husband Federico “absolutely loves ski racing. I’m really fortunate.”

Canadians controled the junior result. Mielzynski was the first JI to finish and Madison Irwin, in sixth, was next up. Top U.S. junior was Julia Ford, the ninth place finisher in the race.

The combined title went to Megan McJames as times from the super G and slalom were totaled. Laurenne Ross got the silver medal and Katie Hitchcock the bronze. Irwin collected the junior combined title in fifth place with Ford one spot back in sixth. JII skier Foreste Peterson was the third junior finisher in 12th place.

Podium photo from USSA by Haney. Pictured from left Erin Mielzynski, Sarah Schleper, Hailey Duke.

US National Championships
Women’s Slalom
March 21, 2010
1    Sarah Schleper, USA    2:03.67
2    Erin Mielzynski, CAN    2:03.80
3    Hailey Duke, USA    2:04.85
4    Megan McJames, USA    2:04.92
5    Malin Hemminsson, SWE    2:04.97
6    Madison Irwin, CAN    2:05.25
7    Eve Routhier, CAN    2:05.40
8    Laurenne Ross, USA    2:05.47
9    Julia Ford, USA    2:05.56
10    Kathrine Hitchcock, USA    2:05.60
11    Sterling Grant, USA    2:05.69
12    Kiley Staples, USA    2:05.84
13    Moe Hanaoka, JPN    2:05.86
14    Elli Terwiel, CAN    2:06.01
15    Megan Ryley, CAN    2:06.29
16    Lindsay Cone, USA    2:06.90
17    Hiromi Yumoto, JPN    2:07.50
18    Kaylin Richardson, USA    2:07.56
19    Kristen Mielke, USA    2:08.27
20    Erika Ghent, USA    2:08.37
21    Amelia Rowland, USA    2:09.61
22    Chelsea Marshall, USA    2:09.66
23    Foreste Peterson, USA    2:09.73
24    Madeline Packard, USA    2:09.81
25    Valerie Kechian, USA    2:09.83
26    Annie Randall, USA    2:09.93
27    Paula Moltzan, USA    2:11.21
28    Sara Kikut, USA    2:11.69
29    Shane McLean, USA    2:15.27
30    Catherine Blanchard, CAN    2:15.80
31    Emily Porter, USA    2:16.35
32    Abby Ghent, USA    2:16.46
33    Kaylee Cortopassi, USA    2:16.85
34    Abigail Fucigna, USA    2:18.01
35    Maria Hillenbrand, USA    2:18.80
36    Anna Marno, USA    2:21.99
37    Delainey Ackerman, USA    2:23.01
38    Taylor Rapley, NZE    2:23.28
39    Carly McDowell, USA    2:26.25
40    Whitney Setterberg, USA    2:30.42
41    Maisie Ide, USA    2:30.72
42    Makenzie Brown, USA    2:33.10
43    Jacqueline Lebel, USA    2:40.64

Women’s combined
1 Megan McJames, USA    191.85
2 Laurenne Ross, USA    192.17
3 Kathrine Hitchcock, USA    192.72
4 Sarah Schleper, USA    192.72
5 Madison Irwin, CAN    193.04
6 Julia Ford, USA    193.82
7 Kiley Staples, USA    194.32
8 Kaylin Richardson, USA    195.67
9 Chelsea Marshall, USA    196.33
10 Lindsay Cone, USA    197.72
11 Sterling Grant, USA    198.84
12 Foreste Peterson, USA    200.39
13 Amelia Rowland, USA    201.87
14 Shane McLean, USA    205.23
15 Abby Ghent, USA    205.57
16 Kaylee Cortopassi, USA    207.06
17 Anna Marno, USA    210.99
18 Delainey Ackerman, USA    213.47
19 Jacqueline Lebel, USA    233.18