Vøllo Takes First in Both Races in Giant Slalom at DU Invitational

Monday, January 11

Aspen, CO

All Day

University of Utah

Men's Giant Slalom (2)

Vøllo Takes First in Both Races in Giant Slalom at DU Invitational

1/11/2021 8:24 PM | Skiing

DU Invitational Results

Utes Move Up to Second With Nordic Portion Still to Come

ASPEN, Colo. – After the Utah's women alpine skiers kicked off the season on Sunday in the Giant Slalom, the men got their shot on Monday in Aspen, Colorado.

The Utes moved up one spot to second in the Denver Invitational behind a big day from Gustav Vøllo. He got first place in the first and second race.

"Today was a good day," head alpine coach JJ Johnson said. "The guys came in skiing so strong. We knew Gustav would be the fastest. Most of the guys ski around the same thing in practice, but he's at that level of maturity where he raises his level in competition. He showed up ready to go, but it's still really hard to win two races in a day."

Tomas Birkner came in eighth place and Bjorn Brudevoll finished in 13^th place in the first race.

In the second race, Huston Philp came in fourth followed by Wilhelm Normannseth in seventh. Birkner finished in 10^th in the second race giving Utah four finishers in the top 10.

"Huston is a four year senior and been through so much in his time here," Johnson said. "He showed up this year and could've gone through the motions, but came in ready to go and is fully into it. We named him captain last week. That's what this team is all about. They're all pushing each other and it's really cool to see."

The Denver Invitational will conclude with Nordic action Jan. 22-23 at Maloit Park near Vail.

Utah will now turn its attention to slalom on Tuesday and Wednesday. The women will compete in two slalom races on Tuesday and the men will race in two on Wednesday.