2010 AUDI BIRDS OF PREY RECAP:
While the annual Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week always provides plenty of stories and memories, the 2010 edition featured two in particular, both worthy of headlines, both unfolding on the final day of competition and both bringing smiles to the large crowd assembled in Beaver Creek for the races.
For the home country fans, the first story centered around U.S. Ski Team member Ted Ligety. The 26-year-old from Park City, Utah, took flight on the Birds of Prey, posting the fastest time on both runs to win the Audi Birds of Prey Giant Slalom, outdistancing runner-up Kjetil Jansrud of Norway, while Austria’s Marcel Hirscher claimed the third place spot.
The day’s second story appealed to all fans of ski racing as Switzerland’s Daniel Albrecht stepped into the starting gate of his first World Cup race since sustaining life threatening injuries in a Downhill training run crash in January of 2009 in Kitzbuhel, Austria.
The Red Tail Finish Stadium erupted in a roar when Albrecht crossed the finish line in the first run, eventually finding himself in 17th position and qualifying for the second run. The assembled trainers and athletes in the coach’s corral applauded as well before offering hugs and high fives to the Swiss racer.
Albrecht ended the day in 21st position in the final rankings, earning himself the first World Cup race points in 22 months. Prior to his accident Albrecht had captured a pair of Audi Birds of Prey races during the 2007 event.
When a Birds of Prey race official offered congratulations, Albrecht replied, “I love Beaver Creek. It is a very special place for me.”
| 
