Andorran Skier Carla Mijares Wins SAC Slalom Opener in Argentina

Andorran alpine skier Carla Mijares finished fifth in the second South American Cup (SAC) slalom at Cerro Castor, Argentina, bringing her total SAC slalom points to 145 and placing her second overall, five points behind leader Viktoria Zaytseva.

Mijares, competing for the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE), placed fourth in both runs with a combined time of 1:53.98, 1.75 seconds behind winner Zaytseva. The American topped the standings ahead of Argentina's Francesca Baruzzi in second, 0.43 seconds off the pace, and Annika Hunt of the United States in third at 1.18 back. Switzerland's Anuk Braendli took fourth, 1.48 behind the winner. Mijares recorded +1.21 in the first run and +0.54 in the second, earning 27.75 FIS points from the result and 45 SAC points.

This follows her victory in the SAC season-opening slalom at the same venue the previous day, where she overcame an early deficit to beat Hunt by 0.37 seconds and Annika Johansson by 0.83, securing 100 SAC points. That win also delivered 17.91 FIS points. Zaytseva now leads the SAC slalom standings with 150 points, followed by Mijares on 145 and Hunt on 140.

In the men's race, Bartumeu Gabriel improved to 14th overall, 2.50 seconds behind the winner, after placing 18th in the first run and 13th in the second. He earned 33.43 FIS points. Xavier Cornella ended 21st, dropping from 13th in the opening run to 24th in the second.

The Andorran team will train before heading to Chile on August 25 for the SAC slalom at La Parva on August 30. Giant slalom races at El Colorado are scheduled for August 28 and 29, with Íria Medina and Clàudia Garcia expected to compete.