Snow, fog cancel second day of Bansko racing

By Published On: February 28th, 2015Comments Off on Snow, fog cancel second day of Bansko racing

Mother nature was at it again, forcing the cancellation of the second super G in a row in Bansko, Bulgaria, due to heavy fog.

The original start time of 11:15 a.m. had temporarily clear conditions and they were able to start 13 racers before the fog rolled in. Overnight snow again played a role, but race crew and course workers were able to clear the track for the original start time. Unfortunately, they could do nothing about the fog. The race was delayed repeatedly for over two hours until the decision was finally made to call the race when it was clear the fog was not going to lift.

Italy’s Elena Curtoni was leading the way before the race was interrupted. Julia Mancuso was sitting in third, 0.84 behind. The canceled super G from Friday will be made up on Monday, but there is no word if they will be able to find time in the remaining schedule to make up today’s cancellation as well.

“The conditions weren’t easy, but they were still good when we started the race,” explained FIS Chief Race Director Atle Skaardal. “But after an already long interruption it was clear that the visibility would not improve, (the) reason why we had to call it a day.”

“In addition, when conditions change very much during an interruption, it makes it impossible to have a fair race. That is also to be considered in the case of an interrupted race,” Skaardal added.

The women race an alpine combined tomorrow, with a run of super G in the morning followed by slalom in the afternoon.

 

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About the Author: Jessica Kelley

A 10-year veteran of the U.S. Ski Team, Kelley collected three NorAm titles, won GS silver at the 2002 World Junior Championships, and was a member of the 2007 World Championships team during her professional career. She resides in Park City, Utah, with her husband, Adam Cole.