(Christine Olsson/TT via AP)
(Christine Olsson/TT via AP)

Thompson golden; Leman nabs ski cross silver in Val Thorens

Brady Leman added a ski cross silver to Marielle Thompson‘s gold medal start at the World Cup double header in Val Thorens.

Sochi 2014 Olympian Brady Leman, took his shot at redemption and made his way onto the World Cup podium in Val Thorens. Despite being knocked out early in Friday’s compeition, the Canadian headed into the second World Cup battle with his mind on the podium. On Saturday Leman found his second place position early in the race, and was able to hold onto his podium spot to give Canada two medals in Val Thorens.

The top stop in the men’s race went to Alex Fiva from Switzerland, while Sweden’s Viktor Andersson was award third.

In the women’s compeition Kelsey Serwa just missed the podium finishing fourth. Marielle Thompson, who won the competition yesterday (more on this below), won the B final to finish fifth overall.

Friday

Olympic ski cross champion Marielle Thompson, opened the 2016-17 season with a FIS World Cup gold in Val Thorens.

The first ski cross gold of the season went to Thompson, after a late crash sent Swedish teammates Anna Holmlund and Sandra Naeslund into the gates. Thompson was unaffected by the collision, and was able to cross the line with a sizeable lead over Switzerland’s silver medallist Fanny Smith. Naeslund was awarded bronze after Holmlund’s missed gate left her off the podium.

“I would have been happy with the third, but a win is even better.” Said Thompson after the race.

The second competition of the World Cup double header will take place on Saturday. Thompson will look to leave France with two gold medals, just like she did in 2015, after she topped both World Cup podiums in Val Thorens.

“I’m hoping to ski better tomorrow since I made a few mistakes today. I’ll be focusing on the start tomorrow and hoping to dial it in a bit more.” Said Thompson to Alpine Canada.