The Andorran wins the top prize in the event on the European circuit and gets third place on the podium in the race held today in Grandvalira
The Belgian Sam Maes was the winner of the GS race held on the Avet course in Soldeu
Joan Verdú has written his name into the history books of alpine skiing in the Pyrenees. The Andorran today claimed the top prize in the category, becoming the champion of the Europa Cup giant slalom. The racer from the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE) has finished a brilliant season by climbing to third place on the podium in the race held on the second day of the Grandvalira Europa Cup Finals.
The results for this discipline in the Europa Cup had already been decided. The Andorran was mathematically the winner thanks to previous results in this competition, distinguishing himself above with all the last three victories. His great season meant he had no pressure on him coming into the finals in Andorra. Regarding today's race, Verdú said: "I skied well and for me to get a podium finish at home, in the finals, is a good result that finishes a great season." The general podium for the giant slalom was completed with Fadri Janutin of Switzerland and Loévan Parand of France.
The Belgian Sam Maes was the big surprise of the day. In addition to this being the first victory of his career, he came in with a time of 1:47.90. In the first round he was 18th, but in the second he came up with a surprising run that took him to the top of the standings. The second place was for Fadri Janutin of Switzerland, with a time of 1:48.03. In the end, the Andorran Joan Verdú got third place with a time of 1:48.14.
The other Andorrans competing were Xavier Cornella and Bartumeu Gabriel, although the latter did not manage to qualify for the second round.
Weather conditions made it impossible to hold the women's downhill event on the Àliga course this morning. The Andorran Cande Moreno had achieved her best time in the downhill training sessions last Monday in El Tarter. In the end, she finished in 31st place in the general classification of the downhill. At the awards ceremony, Juliana Suter (SUI) was proclaimed the winner of the event, followed by Inni Holm Wembstad (NOR) and Delia Durrer (SUI).
Moreno plans to take part in the super-g race that will be held tomorrow, Thursday, on the Àliga course in El Tarter, if conditions allow.
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