ITALY – Erik Read's second run was too hot to handle as the alpine skier cracked the top 10 at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Santa Caterina Valfurva, Italy.
After sitting in 23rd following the first giant slalom run (1:06.70) on Saturday (Dec. 5), Canmore-native Read flew up the standings to finish 10th overall by winning the final run (1:09.84) and setting a new personal best.
"I tidied up my skiing, carried speed, and kept a high line on the few turns with bad snow in the turn-ier second set. Really happy today especially winning a World Cup run for the first time," Read said in a press release.
Canadian teammate and Calgary's Trevor Philp finished 18th overall with two strong runs (1:05.82, 1:11.71).
The weather was less than favourable in the Italian mountains with snow flurries wreaking havoc on the course, but the Canadians overcame the rough racing climate.
"The conditions were not easy at all today," said Read. "I had a few mistakes first run on the straighter course, but Trevor put down a fantastic run."
Despite the relentless snowfall, amazing work from the crew in @SantaCaterinaVa and we are moving ahead with the program! At 10.30 CET the second GS of the (men's) season is on! 🔥 #fisalpine pic.twitter.com/NUf8S0LJkb
— FIS Alpine (@fisalpine) December 5, 2020
The men are back on the slopes Sunday (Dec. 6) with more giant slalom races in Santa Caterina Valfurva.