Windy conditions forced the postponement of Monday’s women’s downhill race at Snowbasin Ski Area, but it shouldn’t significantly affect Picabo Street’s medal chances in what could be her last international race.
Street was slated to start second of 39 women Monday. However, under international rules, start positions are redrawn when a race is rescheduled. Street now will start 26th.
U.S. ski spokesman Tom Kelly said course conditions actually might be better later in the run.
In an almost exact reversal, the position of Street’s U.S. teammate, Caroline Lalive, changed significantly from the 27th slot to No. 2. Kirsten Clark, the team’s top downhill threat, remained in the 17th position, and Jonna Mendes moved up slightly from 30th to 28th.
Officials waited until 11:30 a.m. to postpone the event, which was to have begun at 10 a.m. Referee Kurt Hoch said wind gusts of 9 to 12 m.p.h. made conditions unsafe. Tuesday’s winds are forecast to be light.