The Surefoot Colorado Ski Cup tour made a stop at Winter Park for a pair of downhill races on Wednesday and Thursday, and Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s Katharine Irwin, skiing for the U.S. Team, took the win on Wednesday with Greta Byrne in second.  SSCV’s Grace Merriman and Kelly Balfanz placed tenth and 15th, respectively.

Wednesday’s DH for the men had SSCV’s Anthony Romano, Nick Braun, and Nick Santaniello taking fifth, sixth, and 15th, respectively, with Brian Bailey coming from a start of 51 to finish 16th in his first DH.

In Thursday’s DH, Byrne skied to the gold reaching the podium twice in as many days.

“I felt confident when I left the start in Thursday’s race,” said Byrne.  “The track was bumpy and fast after the field had been skiing the course for the past four days.  I’m happy with my result today.”

Breaking into the top 15 for the SSCV women in Thursday’s race were Grace Merriman in 11th and Kelly Balfanz in 15th

In Thursday’s DH for the men, SSCV’s Sean McCormick skied to a second place.

“I made a couple of mistakes towards the bottom of the course,” said McCormick.  “I skied a more conservative line because of the bumps in the track, but I’m pleased with my run.  It’s always nice to be on the podium.”

SSCV’s Anthony Romano, Florian Szwebel, and Nick Santaniello finished sixth, 14th, and 15th, respectively, in Thursday’s DH.

“McCormick is skiing fundamentally solid,” said coach Ben Babbitt.  “All our boys are skiing well, and I’m proud to be a part of their success.”

The Surefoot Colorado Ski Cup continues today at Winter Park today with a Super G race for the men and women.