CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — Drew Duffy of Warren, Vermont, claimed the men’s super G title on Wednesday during the U.S. Alpine Championships being held at Sugarloaf.
Alice McKennis of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, took home the women’s super G national title at the event, which is the country’s most prestigious domestic Alpine ski racing competition. The U.S. Alpine Championships give up-and-coming athletes looking to advance their position on the U.S. Ski Team a chance to face off against A-Team stars.
Wednesday’s racing was held under clear, sunny skies, with the temperature in the mid-30s.
Duffy, U.S. Ski Team newcomer, was 30th out of the gate but came from behind to claim his first national title. He completed his run in 1 minute, 19.73 seconds.
Steve Nyman of Sundance, Utah, finished second with a time of 1:19.77, only four-hundredths behind Duffy, while Travis Ganong of Squaw Valley, California, rounded out the top three in 1:19.80.
On the women’s side, McKennis, who started 10th out of the gate, overcame a field of 37 finishers to take home the title. Her time of 1:22.48 was a tenth of a second faster than runner-up Valerie Grenier of Canada, while Jackie Wiles of Aurora, Oregon, finished third in 1:22.69.
The national championship race was held Tuesday on the “Narrow Gauge” trail at Sugarloaf. This year marks the fifth time that Sugarloaf has hosted the U.S. Alpine Championships. The resort previously held the races in 1996, 1997, 2006 and 2008.
The action continues on Thursday with the women’s giant slalom during the day, and an autograph signing with top athletes at the Sugarloaf Base Lodge from 7:45-8:30 p.m.
Because of the threat of inclement weather, Thursday’s opening ceremonies have been postponed until Friday.