Sun Valley SG course. Photo: Heather Black

The US Nationals in Sun Valley, Idaho, opened with the men’s and women’s super-G on Sunday, April 2. After several days of snowfall, it was a beautiful day with sunny blue skies. Following the considerable amount of new snow, with considerable effort, the race workers created a safe but challenging race surface. The men raced first.

Athletes with a wide range of abilities were in attendance, including some who regularly saw World Cup success.

The two athletes to earn the national super-G title were Kyle Negomir and Tricia Mangan. It was the first time either Negomir or Mangan earned this title, though they have had significant success in the discipline in general.

The “Rookie of the Year” award was presented to Finnigan Donley and Elisabeth Bocock. Donley finished the day in fifth while Bocock claimed fourth place.

MEN

Kyle Negomir started the day wearing bib two and won the race by a significant margin: (-0.74) seconds. The next fastest was Erik Arvidsson, who started immediately after Negomir wearing bib three. In third place was Isaiah Nelson, who was (+0.79) seconds off of Negomir.

“I think it was super challenging day for everyone so I am fortunate to make it down with as few mistakes as possible,” said Negomir. “it’s just fun coming to Nationals where everyone’s together again for the first time, all the younger guys all the way to World Cup guys on the team. Everyone’s together and racing, and it’s a beautiful day to do it.”

This victory was also Negomir’s first national title. He used his early start position to his advantage to win. However, it was not impossible to be competitive from late start positions. Townsend Mikell moved from bib 25 to seventh place, finishing just behind Stifel US Alpine Team member Jared Goldberg.

Top 10 Men

WOMEN

Tricia Mangan started the series out strong by claiming the national super-G title. She described her run as “very wild” and “a battle” in an interview with the Stifel US Alpine Team.

“This was a huge learning year for me and I made really big strides, especially in downhill,” said Mangan in the same interview. “I actually struggled with my super-G a little bit so it feels good to end it on a good note.”

In second and third place were Keely Cashman and Liv Moritz, respectively. Cashman was just (+0.19) seconds off of Mangan, while Moritz was (+0.45) out.

It was a tough course, both turny and bumpy due to the softer snow.

“The whole way down I just tried to keep going hard because I was feeling very tired,” said Mangan. “I’ve been on the podium at Sun Valley, but I’ve never won a national title so that’s awesome.”

This was the last speed race of the season for many of the athletes.

Top 10 Women

US Ski and Snowboard contributed to this report.