Cornelius, Smart close out Panorama NorAms with wins
Photo: US Ski Team
Amelia Smart won both slalom races in the Panorama NorAm series, which concluded on Saturday. Vail’s Reece Bell, racing for Great Britain, and Elese Sommerova of the Czech Republic finished in second and third, respectively. Bell and Somerova have never been on the NorAm podium before.
Lila Lapanja and Caroline Jones were the top Americans (not including Bell who is a dual citizen) finishing in sixth and seventh.
“It was a bit rattly with the ice and bumps but I thought the conditions were actually pretty world-class given how much it snowed this week,” said Lapanja. “My skiing was okay. I’ve been working hard on getting my rhythm and strength back since the injury, so I’ll build off my two solid finishes and take that as training for my upcoming Europe trip.”
Yesterday’s top American, Zoe Zimmerman, did not finish her second run. Zimmerman was in good company, over 20 women did not finish at least one of their runs.
American Cooper Cornelius won the GS today, beating Canadians Liam Wallace and Jordan Asher by 0.24 and 0.90 seconds, respectfully. This was Cornelius’ first NorAm win – his first podium came a day earlier.
Canadians Kyle Alexander and Justin Alkier both finished in the top 10. Americans Isaiah Nelson, Cooper Puckett and Jay Poulter were also in the top 10.
The North Americans dominated the top five, only two European athletes cracked the top 10. The two Europeans in the top 10 were Tobias Kogler of Austria in seventh and Reto Maechler of Switzerland in ninth.
This was the last day of the Pano NorAms. The next NorAm series is in Mont Edouard in February.
About the Author: Lexi Hanus
