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After a podium ridden opening weekend on the World Cup tour, the Canadian Ski Cross Team was back racing in Montafon, Austria. Despite varying weather conditions throughout the day, the team was once again able to dominate the field in both the men’s and women’s race with a gold, silver and two bronze.
Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) started the day strong, and carried the momentum through the quarter and semi-finals to capture her first podium result of the World Cup season, a gold medal. Courtney Hoffos, who had her first career World Cup podium last weekend, continued her strong start to the season with a third place finish.
While conditions were tough Thompson was able to use her experience and preparation to come out on top. “I’ve grown up being ready to ski in every condition thrown at me. It was really foggy in the semi-final and final, but I just needed to trust that I knew the course and it paid off. I’m really stoked to be on top.”
On the men’s side current Cross Alps Tour leader, Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) followed up his first World Cup podium with a silver medal.
Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) rebounded after a tough start to the season with a third place finish.
“Today was an interesting race. Really tough weather and tough conditions. I tried to take every run as it came. Always want to win but I’m happy to be on the podium and get things started with a third place” said Leman.
India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC), and Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) qualified for the small final and finished fifth and sixth respectively. On the men’s side Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) qualified for the small final and finished fifth.
Zoe Chore (Cranbrook, BC) finished in 9th and Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) finished in 16th.
Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) finished in 31st, Ned Ireland (Lake Country, BC) – 32nd, Chris Del Bosco (Montreal, QC) – 46th, Zach Belczyk (Banff, AB) – 53rd.
While Canada has been dominating the standings so far this World Cup season it is the preparation and training that Sead Causevic, Assistant Coach feels sets the Canadians apart from the field.
“While we may not ultimately have the fastest skiers, we make it work through detail oriented preparation and teamwork.”
The team looks to keep their winning ways going as the Cross Alps Tour continues Tuesday from Arosa, Switzerland.
Source: Alpine Canada
