ALPINE:

Hudec lands on podium in Nor-Am Finals GS

March 16, 2010 — Alpine Canada

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BURKE MOUNTAIN, Vermont — World downhill silver medallist Jan Hudec showed his skills in the technical disciplines Tuesday, finishing third in the final Nor-Am giant slalom of the season.

Hudec, who is trying to improve his FIS points to eventually improve his start number for World Cup GS races, said this was an important part of the process.

"Honestly, my expectations for today were pretty high. I have been doing some more GS training and I've been getting good times, I know that I can hold my own," said Hudec, who hasn't raced a World Cup GS since 2007 at Beaver Creek, Colorado.

"My biggest challenge has always been staying healthy," said Hudec, who has had a series of knee injuries throughout his career.

Hudec is better known in the speed discipline of downhill, where he is a World Cup winner and the silver medalist at the 2007 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

Hudec finished the GS in a two-run combined time of 2 minutes, 22.65 seconds, just .01 from second place.

American Tommy Ford won in 2:22.50, with USA's Warner Nickerson in second spot.

The overall Nor-Am GS title went to Jon Olsson of Sweden with 202 Nor-Am points.

USA's Nolan Kasper tied with Petter Brenna of Norway for second, 13 points back.

The women have a giant slalom in Waterville Valley, N.H., Wednesday before the Nor-Am season wraps up with men's and women’s slalom races on Thursday.  SRC