Gusty Conditions Result in Postponement of Race

The women’s Olympic downhill, billed as Picabo Street’s last race, was delayed a day when winds that gusted as high as 20 mph near the top of the Wildflower course forced Monday’s race to be postponed.

The downhill was rescheduled for 9 a.m. PST today.

“Obviously it’s safety first, then it’s fairness second, so I know they made the right decision,” Street said. “Of course it’s disappointing because we all wanted to race. But I don’t think the Americans are going to have any problem getting up for tomorrow.”

Skier safety always takes priority in the Alpine speed events, where skiers reach speeds in excess of 80 mph. The safety issue has become more pronounced this season given the on-course death of French skier Regine Cavagnoud and a crash that left Swiss skier Silviano Beltrametti paralyzed.

Yet, Monday’s decision to postpone the downhill also was performance-related because the gusting winds may have benefited some racers and hurt others.

There was no hint of postponement Monday morning as thousands of fans packed the grandstands under a cloudless sky, and it appeared as though Street was going to run her final downhill under another lucky star. She originally drew start position No. 2, the same bib number she wore on her gold-medal run in super-giant slalom at the 1998 Nagano Games.

In the rescheduled race, however, Street will race from the 26th position. U.S. teammate Caroline Lalive drew the No. 2 bib for today’s race.

Chris Dufresne