Olympic bronze medallist Erin Hamlin takes third Viessmann World Cup win

Park City (RWH) With five winners in five races, the women’s event in the Viessmann World Cup is proving to be more unpredictable than ever before during the current pre-Olympic winter season. Erin Hamlin won the fifth round of the racing series in Park City to become the fifth different winner this season. The Olympic bronze medallist took the third individual win of her career, ahead of her compatriot Emily Sweeney in second, on the Olympic track which was used for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Third place went to Alex Gough from Canada, who won last week’s race in Whistler.

In addition to Gough and Hamlin, who was the 2009 World Champion, the other winners this season have been Natalie Geisenberger, Dajana Eitberger and Tatjana Hüfner (all GER). Olympic Champion Geisenberger, who finished fourth in Park City, has taken the lead in the overall standings with 370 points, ahead of Hüfner (360) and Eitberger and Gough, each with 306 points. Erin Hamlin is now in fifth place (274).

World Championship bronze medallist Tatyana Ivanova of Russia, who was lying second after the first run, crashed on her second run and was eliminated from the competition.

Quotes

Erin Hamlin (USA / 2009 World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist 2014):

“It’s a great result, although Park City isn’t really a home race for me. But I feel comfortable here – I finished second last year. It was just really good. And we’ve been waiting ages for weather like this – freezing cold and sunny.”

Emily Sweeney (USA / eighth overall in the 2015/2016 World Cup)

“I’m pleasantly surprised. I had less pressure than Erin or Summer Britcher, who won twice here last year. And because of my injury I really didn’t feel any pressure.”

Alex Gough (CAN / World Championship bronze medallist 2011 and 2013)

“Things are working out great for me here in North America. I hope I can carry this momentum into the new year and the European races. I always aim to start as quickly as possible, drive well, and win a medal whenever I get the chance. The races have been fantastic so far – long may it continue!”