In perfect conditions on the Stubai Glacier in Austria on Saturday (November 19) a Norwegian couple John Killi and Birka Ruud took top podium positions in the first Slopestyle freestyle skiing competition of the new FIS World Cup season.
Taking into account the best result from two heats, seven-time X Games medalist Killi claimed her third career World Cup victory – and first since 2018 – with a score of 81.24 in the first heat.
“It’s amazing to take first place,” the 25-year-old later said. “I’ve been fighting for this place for many years, I haven’t been there for a long time.”
Estonian Olympic bronze medalist Kelly Sildaru she scored 78.22 in her first heat as she just missed her third win in the event.
Last season’s Slopestyle Crystal Globe winner wasn’t as clean as Killi and had to settle for second place on the day.
United States’ Grace Henderson she was thrilled to finish third (76.58) and score her first World Cup podium in 11 starts.
She achieved this in her second heat, passing Canada Megan Oldham who scored 75.42.
Slopestyle 2018 gold medalist in PyeongChang Sarah Hofflin he was sixth (73.22) behind compatriot Killie Sandra Ei (74.51).
Women’s Slopestyle free skiing results from Stubai, Austria:
1. John KilliNorway, 81.24
2. Kelly SildaruEstonia, 78.22
3. Grace HendersonUS, 76.58
4. Megan OldhamCAN, 75.42
5. Sandra EiNOR, 74,516. Sarah HofflinSUI, 73.22
For full results, check out here.
Ruud, meanwhile, is two-for-two this season as he backed up his win at last month’s Big Air season debut in Chur, Switzerland.
The Big Air Olympic champion won the Stubai Slopestyle last year and defended his crown with a score of 88.96 in his first run.
Current Slopestyle World Champion from Switzerland Andri Ragettli he came close with a score of 87.38 on his second run, finishing 10th at the halfway point, but could not pass his Norwegian rival.
“Honestly, I’m a bit surprised,” Ruud confessed after another victory. “I think what I’m good at is being present, very focused, enjoying it and training a lot.
“I’ve been in the game since I was 15, so it took me two to three years to get consistent and have the right attitude. A good attitude and good preparation…that’s the key, at least for me.”
Colby Stevenson (85.68) finished last on the podium with another American, an Olympic champion in slopestyle Alex Hal (83.71) in fourth place.
Men’s Freestyle Slopestyle results from Stubai, Austria:
1. Birka RuudNorway, 88.96
2. Andri RagettliSwitzerland, 87.38
3. Colby StevensonUnited States, 85.68
4. Alex HalUnited States, 83.71
5. Jesper TjaderSWE, 83.47
6. Matej SvancerAUT, 81.22
For full results, check out here.
Freestyle Ski World Cup Calendar 2022/23 – Slopestyle
January 12-14, 2023
Romeu font, France
Men and womenJanuary 18-22, 2023Laax, Switzerland
Men and womenFebruary 1-4, 2023
Mammoth Mountain, United States
Men and womenMarch 16-18, 2023
Tignes, France
Men and womenMarch 23-25, 2023
Silvaplana, Switzerland
Men and women
The FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships 2023 will be held in Bakuriani, Georgia from February 19 to March 5, 2023.
Check results, where to watch and event updates FIS official website.
