Jansrud bounces back in final training run

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. – Kjetil Jansrud appeared quite banged up as he hobbled like a hunchback out of the finish area after Thursday’s super G opener at the World Alpine Ski Championships in Colorado. The 2015 Hahnenkamm champion wrapped himself around a gate in the early part of his run that day and fought his way to a remarkable fourth-place result with a banged-up left shoulder.

It was a painful night for Jansrud, one without much sleep, but he was back in full force today, laying down the second fastest downhill training run time behind France’s Brice Roger.

“I was pretty beat up after the super G, naturally. I didn’t feel very good, but I got the X-ray and the confirmation there was no injury. Then, it’s really no problem. It’s just a matter of accepting a little pain. Regardless of what you do, without crashing, you’re not going to make it worse.”

Jansrud said he was able to ski without major soreness, but if he threw his hand up in the air to make a correction, it became painful for him.

“I get out of balance, and I throw my hand up and it hurts like hell,” said Jansrud. “But you’re so focused … you don’t feel as much pain because your concentration is elsewhere.”

Of the impressive near-podium result Thursday, Jansrud said his left arm was totally numb — he wasn’t even sure if he still had his pole in his hand.

“I felt like I was skiing without a pole,” he said. “I felt like it was dislocated. It’s just a big hit on the nerve, so still a little numb. I guess that’s a part of the game.”

The racers, Americans especially, were more pleased with the course conditions today compared to the super G. While it has been unseasonably warm in Beaver Creek, the track has remained firm, providing an environment in which the athletes can push a little harder.

“It’s much better. That’s what I like, when it’s firm and a little bumpy,” said Nyman, who finished seventh. “Something you can push on and really charge through. I had a couple little mistakes on the pitch, which I need to clean up and do a little more analysis.

“With the heat yesterday and the heat this afternoon, the track definitely has a different density to it, a little more wetness,” added Nyman. “All I really want is something to push on, and yesterday there wasn’t mush there. I’m impressed how it transformed so much.”

Travis Ganong agreed the snow is improving and should be more favorable for the U.S. skiers on Saturday. The Santa Caterina World Cup winner took part in a video session with none other than two-time Birds of Prey champ Daron Rahlves prior to this final training run.

“Daron showed me some of his little tricks from the past,” said Ganong. “The set is a lot different right now, but I tried some of the stuff he was talking about. It didn’t really work, but it was fun to try something new, specifically the bottom of Talon turn, taking it straight down and doing the whole turn on the road. The way it’s set now with the speed coming in there. It doesn’t really link up well.”

Ganong finished 22nd, perhaps the result of the aforementioned experimentation.

“The snow is a lot better today,” added Ganong. “Even though it’s 50 degrees out, it’s still really solid snow. It was a lot faster today. The rollers and terrain were more in play. It was a good little taste for race day. Tomorrow, we start earlier. It will be even faster.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Weibrecht, coming off a disappointing super G outing, grabbed attention skiing from a 41st start position to finish fourth — without a pole for part of the way.

“I think the preparation has come a long way even since yesterday,” said Weibrecht. “This hill is hardening up really nicely. The track is in great condition. It’s always been one of my favorites. It’s a hill where you can attack and ski technical. Hopefully I get a chance to race.”

Weibrecht will indeed get a chance race the downhill in the absence of Bode Miller. Later in the afternoon head coach Sasha Rearick announced Warhorse will be joining Steven Nyman, Travis Ganong and Jared Goldberg as the American starters. Marco Sullivan is the most notable U.S. racer left off the list. Rearick said the decision was made in consultation with Sullivan, who agreed this is the best team.

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