Head-to-Head

After satisfactory finishes in the time trial, both teams headed to the start gate for the head-to-head competition. The men raced first and were able to beat Bulgaria to the finish line in the first heat. It was a close match, with Bulgaria attempting a nearly successful pass at the end of the race. In the second heat, it was the US against Germany. The Germans are a strong team, but we pulled out ahead early and they weren't able to make up any ground. The men's team then advanced to the quarter finals and came up against Japan, one of the very best teams in the world. We were confident at the start, but did not win lane choice and immediately had difficulties in matching the speed of the Japanese. We engaged them briefly for a battle above the first move, then attempted a risky pass on the right that didn't pay off. The Japanese won the heat and advanced to the semifinals. The men's team finished the day in fifth place. The women then headed up to the starting line for the first round of head-to-head. They were matched against a very strong Czech team. The women beat the Czechs off of the starting line and were looking strong down the first straight away. The Czechs, never a team to give up easily, attempted the dangerous pass on the right around the first obstacle and were successful. The US team was not able to pass the Czechs lower in the course and did not advance. They finished the day in ninth place. Tomorrow is the slalom, so tonight we rest and refocus.