World Cup Podiums Continue
Canadian athletes continue to get comfortable on world cup podiums. This past weekend was proof that the Maple Leaf is a consistent target on the international scene and Canada’s winter athletes are wearing it with pride.
Calve carves out a win in Russia
Caroline Calvé of Lachine, Quebec grabbed herself the first slalom win for a Canadian woman on world cup circuit this past weekend in Moscow, Russia. Offering a unique urban experience, the race was held on a giant scaffolding ramp at the All-Russia Exhibition Centre allowing spectators to cheer on the competitors.
“Were just so pumped for Caroline and the team,” said Canada Snowboard Alpine Coach Mark Ballard. “(Caroline) keeps setting new standards for us. It’s very exciting. It’s really cool what she is doing this year.”
Alpine action continues with the Parallel Giant Slalom Nor Am Cup on February 27 at Holiday Valley, New York.
All bets on Bilodeau
Olympic champ and current dual mogul champ Alex Bilodeau was dialed in this weekend, chalking up a dual-mogul silver medal to his podium tally in Japan after already claiming bronze in the single event.
“The course was really amazing today … everybody brought their A game,” said the Rosemère, QC native. “I was skiing really well and managed to win everything except the final.”
Freestyle action continues with the FIS World Championships in Norway, beginning March 5.
Sliding team shows big speed
Canada’s luge squad will return to Sochi 2014 on a high note after winning the bronze medal in the team relay event at the final World Cup of the season on Sunday.
Calgarians Sam Edney and Alex Gough, along with doubles tandem Tristan Walker, of Cochrane, Alta., and Calgary’s Justin Snith, clocked a third-place time of 2:51.954.
“We learned a lot about potential track conditions, equipment decisions and also where we individually have to improve our sliding,” said Edney. “Overall we felt great walking away with a medal.”
The Canadian squad hopes to make history by winning the nation’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport next year. The team has slid to the World Cup podium four times, including three silvers and a bronze, this year in the team relay. They also teamed up to capture a silver medal at the World Championships in Whistler, B.C. last month.
