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Mont Tremblant’s famed and decorated Erik Guay is back on the super-G podium following today’s race in Val Gardena, Italy. The Canadian Cowboy, who was the super-G champion back in 2010, charged today’s steep and icy course to capture third-place. The veteran has five podiums on this Val Gardena track adding another third-place finish to his tally today. Clocking speeds of over 100 km/hr, Guay was just 0.13 seconds away from the lead time.
“Today was a great race with really good conditions, being on the podium is more fun then NOT being on the podium,” said Guay. “I always enjoy coming here and it feels so great to be back on the podium. I love this track and I feel like the terrain really suits my style. I had a great start number and I’m really happy with how I skied. I have been building my confidence this year with a good start in Val d’Isère and a great finish today!”
Dustin Cook, Canada’s 2015 World Championship super-G silver medallist, wore bib number five today and held the lead position for nine racers. Cook ultimately finished the race in sixth-place demonstrating a massive comeback on the circuit after an injury. Less than half a second separated Cook from the top of the podium demonstrating what a tight race today shook out to be. Cook has been pushing out of giant slalom start gates and running downhill training runs to find his race legs after a year off the circuit. Cook’s dedication and aggressive run paid off with an impressive top ten finish in the second super-G of the season.
“Picked myself out of the fence yesterday, charged to sixth today! Fired up to be back in the mix. Also pumped for Erik on the podium, making it two Cowboys in the top 10! The glittery suspenders, and bow tie were the icing on the cake. The track was epic today and the snow was perfect,” said Cook. “The set was really fun! It was a straight forward set and it was really fun to race. It feels really amazing to be back. This is what I’ve been working towards since I got injured last season. To do it on my second race back, to be in the top ten, is awesome. It feels great to be back in the top ten and have the confidence to take into the rest of the season.”
Today’s Val Gardena track is one of the most terrain-filled on the circuit, and with only man-made snow to cover the track, the hills undulations and terrain played a big factor in today’s results. Canadians proved they have what it takes to challenge on difficult terrain with two Canadian Cowboys back in the top ten in super-G.
The Attacking Vikings were the strongest competitors of the day taking 1-2 spots, winning at this venue for the past five seasons. Kjetil Jansrud takes first-place by just 0.06 seconds with countryman Aleksander Aamodt Kilde in second-place.
The Canadian men’s speed team will have another shot at the podium tomorrow with a downhill running on the same track.
Canadian men’s results:
3 – Erik Guay
6 – Dustin Cook
26 – Manuel Osborne-Paradis
57 – Erik Read
DNF – Tyler Werry
Full results here.
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Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.
