Ligety, Miller: Hopes dashed at world cup slalom race

November 15, 8:07 PMOlympics ExaminerTom Burke

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 A disoriented Bode Miller         (AP - Markku Ulander)

The tricky slalom course at the FIS World Cup in Levi, Finland today proved too challenging for two Americans seeking to compete in the Vancouver Olympics.

Both Ted Ligety and Bode Miller, each striving to make a comeback this season, fell victim to the course’s technical difficulty.

After rehabilitating this summer from a knee injury, Ted the “Shred” was seeking to repeat his podium performance where he took silver in the first World Cup slalom event two weeks ago.

However, Ligety finished in a disappointing 18th place – after battling the course’s steep pitch and tight turns, especially at the start.  "Half of the top 30 had second run trouble at the top of the steeps and Ted was one of those guys," said Men's Technical Head Coach Rudi Soulard in a RealVail article.

For Miller, this World Cup race was his first, since announcing his return to the sport  in September.

While skipping the first World Cup event to further his training and conditioning, Miller failed to finish the second run. While clipping a gate, he injured his head. And becoming disoriented, he stopped.

The next FIS World Cup skiing event will be held in Lake Louise, Alberta on Thanksgiving weekend.