Missoula Skier Bergoust Wins World Cup Aerials Event

Eric Bergoust of Missoula, Mont., idle a year ago because of back problems which threatened his career, had the best second jump Saturday night to lead Americans into the top four spots in a World Cup aerials meet.

It was a rare two-in-one day on the World Cup tour with acroskiing during the afternoon and eliminations for aerials, cutting to the top 10 men and women, who competed after dark. With aerials canceled next weekend in Meiringen, Switzerland, the contests also meant Frenchman Sebastien Foucras, who was fifth Saturday night, and Colette Brand of Switzerland, who was second, earned the season titles.

Most of the Americans left immediately for the United States and the national championships beginning Tuesday in Utah. The only American who stayed in Europe was Jonny Moseley of Tiburon, Calif., who leads the season mogul standings.

Bergoust, third in the qualifying round, finished with 226.33 points to 214.79 for Matt Chojnacki of Aurora, Colo. It was Bergoust’s third win of the season. Mariano Ferrario of Park City, Utah, was third with Kip Griffin of Bedford, N.H., fourth.

In the women’s aerials, Brand won the title by finishing second to Canadian Caroline Olivier in a tight contest. Olivier had 168.59 points and Brand 167.12.

Earlier, Annika Johansson of Sweden won the women’s acroski event and Heini Baumgartner of Switzerland captured the men’s competition.