Calgary, Alta. (December 3, 2016) – Canada’s young speed talent, Valérie Grenier, put together a solid downhill run at today’s Lake Louise Alpine Ski World Cup to capture a career-best 16th-place finish in this discipline. In front of a loud and excited home crowd, Grenier bettered yesterday’s result by 12 spots, narrowly missing out on a top 15 finish by just 0.03 seconds. 

Today’s downhill start was lowered due to a weather system projected to move in halfway through the race. Grenier pushed out of the start as the clouds moved in and the snow started falling. Despite tough views and a track dusted with snow, Grenier charged the course putting down a run she was thrilled with. 

“I’m really happy!” said Grenier. “I wanted top 20 and I got it. The conditions were tough but I’m happy. The visibility was low but I’m good at staying focused despite those factors. I’m really happy with today!”

The Quebecer has had an incredible start to the season breaking the top 30 in the last four races she’s started in, showing her fortitude in both technical and speed disciplines. 

Toronto’s Candace Crawford pushed out of the gate, wearing bib 58 facing some of the toughest conditions of the day. Today marked her second World Cup downhill start and she bettered yesterday’s result by two spots finishing in 47th-place. 

“I think I skied better than yesterday and I fixed up sections I was focused on,” said Crawford. “it was hard conditions but I think I skied it well despite that. I was more aggressive today and I’m really happy. I’m excited for tomorrow’s super-G race!”

Development Team athlete, Stefanie Fleckenstein, charged today’s race and finished just behind teammate Crawford in the 48th spot. Today’s downhill was Fleckenstein’s second ever World Cup start, giving the team rookie lots to look forward to this season. 

“That was amazing!” said Fleckenstein. “I’m really happy. I did what I could with the conditions I had and was more aggressive today.”

THE PODIUM

Slovakia’s Ilka Stuhec took her second straight win of the weekend, winning with a time of 1:24.95. Swizterland’s Lara Gut came in just 0.11 seconds back from the first-place time putting her in second place. Edit Miklos from Hungary rounded out the podium, finishing 0.43 seconds back from the lead time. 

NEXT UP

Tomorrow, the women are sticking with speed and racing a super-G, while the men in Val d’Isère are racing giant slalom. 

Both races will be broadcast live on cbcsports.ca and included in CBC’s Road to the Olympic Games. View the full broadcast schedule here. 

Canadian Lake Louise Results

16 – Valérie Grenier

47 – Candace Crawford

48 – Stefanie Fleckenstein

DNS – Mikaela Tommy

Full results here. 

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

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.

For further information or press inquiries, please contact Ashley Shantz at ashantz@alpinecanada.org or call (587) 226-3007.