Bulgarian skiing star Albert Popov climbed the podium for the first time in a World Cup start. This came after unique drama as the continuous snowfall in Palisades Tahoe, California.
Abby was 25th after the first match but for the first time in the second division third place with Olympic champion Cleman Noel (Fr). In the second descent, in which the route is lined by Abi’s coach – Ivo Borisov, our ace led the ranking with a perfect drop. After him, the snowfall intensified, and his rivals, one after another, finished after him.
Only 2023 World Youth Champion Alexander Stan Olsen (Nor) managed to improve Popov’s time, as well as his compatriot Timon Hogen. Then with the silver medalist of the Kurshevel World Cup, Alexandros Yonis Guinness (Gr) also gave a better time than Popov, and a winner was seen at one point.
However, after the end of the race, it became clear that the judges looked at Guinness’s driving and especially one moment when he caught a pole. The debates lasted more than 30 minutes, and the Greek was eventually disqualified. So Abby went on the podium, third place.
The last podium for the SK for Bulgaria was on December 16, 1984, when Peter Popangelov finished third at the slalom in Madonna di Campilio (IT). With his ranking today, Albert earned 60 points for SK and is already 16th with 160t, a record for Popov in his career. Albert, who is a competitor of SC Moten, debuted in the World Cup on October 26, 2016, at the giant slalom in Zolden (Av)