Cochran sweeps Nor Am giant slaloms in Tremblant

By Published On: March 11th, 2005Comments Off on Cochran sweeps Nor Am giant slaloms in Tremblant

Cochran sweeps Nor Am giant slaloms in Tremblant{mosimage}Jim Cochran, of the U.S. Ski Team, won back to back NorAm giant slalom races in Mt. Tremblant on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, he led a group of nine Americans piled into the top 10, including Tom Rothrock (third), Paul McDonald (fourth) and Steve Nyman (fifth).

“The level of competition is extremely strong for a NorAm race,” said Cochran, after Thursday’s victory. “My skis were really fast today and that’s exactly what I needed to have in order to win points. I want to do the same thing [Friday].”

Making good on his words, Cochran skied to the fastest first run of the day on Friday, the final giant slalom of the NorAm season, and was able to hold off Rothrock and Jesse Marshall in an all-American podium sweep.

Despite Cochran’s two victories, Canadian Ryan Semple, who led the giant slalom standings going into the races, secured the overall NorAm giant slalom title with a second-place finish through the winds on Thursday. “It’s a relief to have won this World Cup spot, Semple said. “Now, I’m assured a World Cup spot for all of the races next season and that’s awesome.”

Cochran went into Friday behind Canadian John Kucera in the battle for the second World Cup slot (alloted to the top two in the season discipline standings), but his victory powered him by Kucera, who was fourth, in the standings.

Americans took eight of the top 10 on Friday and Tim Jitloff was the top junior finisher on both days, registering a 23rd and seventh. Scott Macartney finished 10th on Thursday after running 56th, and fifth on Friday running 55th.

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About the Author: Pete Rugh