Salcher claims victory at alpine Europa Cup

Austria’s Paralympic champion Markus Salcher stormed to victory at the IPC Alpine Skiing Europa Cup in Stara Planina, Serbia, on Wednesday (3 February), fuelling his rivalry with Russia’s world champion Aleksei Bugaev.

Salcher (54.56) took the win in the men’s downhill standing ahead of Bugaev (57.37), finishing ahead of the Russian in the speed discipline for the second time this season.

Russia’s Alexander Vetrov (58.86) was third.

In the men’s visually impaired, the Czech Republic’s Patrik Hetmer was quickest with guide Miroslav Macala.

He just edged Poland’s Maciej Krezel (59.67), guided by Anna Ogarzynska, by 0.43 seconds.

Russia’s Ivan Frantsev (1:00.55) and guide German Agranovskii completed the podium.

South Korea showed their development with a first Europa Cup downhill win for Sang Min Han (1:01.31) in the men’s sitting. Han has already enjoyed success earlier on the season with a win in giant slalom at the IPC Alpine Skiing Southern Hemisphere Cup in Coronet Peak, New Zealand.

Poland’s Igor Sikorskii (1:01.48) put up a good fight, finishing just 0.17 seconds behind Han.

Han’s teammate Chi Won Lee (1:05.80) secured a double podium for the hosts of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

Racing continues is Stara Planina on Thursday (4 February) with a second Europa Cup downhill race.

Results will be available at IPC Alpine Skiing’s calendar and results page.