Calgary AB, (December 16, 2020) – Canada was back on the podium in Arosa, SUI as reigning Crystal Globe winner Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) came in third on the second day of competition while team veteran Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) charged to finish in second.          

Kevin, who finished in 30th yesterday rebounded with a strong finish on the day, he’s excited to keep the momentum going this weekend.  

“It feels pretty amazing especially after yesterday and how my qualification went. I tried to stay focused and stay in the moment and it worked out,” Kevin said. “I felt flashes of last year. I’m excited for this weekend in Val Thorens to try to keep the momentum going.”

After an extended off-season Marielle Thompson was happy to be back on the podium but is hungry for more and ready to continue to find her grove as the World Cup tour continues in Val Thorens, a race she won in 2016. 

“I like night racing, I’m a bit of a night owl and I come alive at night,” said Marielle after the race. “I was happy to bounce back after yesterday’s not so good result and to refocus and put a good effort in. It was fun racing all day.”

In addition to the strong podium finishes the team also achieved a host of personal bests on the day. Zoe Chore (Cranbrook, BC) won the first small finals of her career finishing in fifth spot. In just his fifth World Cup start Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) had a career-best 17th place finish and Antoinette Tansley (Calgary, AB) had a career-best 13th place finish.

“In my final run, I felt like I finally figured everything out and put it together and that’s what made my small finals so successful,” reflected Zoe who is rocking bright pink hair to start the World Cup season. 

The team now heads Val Thorens, FRA for two races this weekend. Watch it live Saturday on CBCsports.ca at 7:00 AM ET / 5:00 AM MT.

Team Results

Men’s Ski Cross

3rd – Kevin Drury 
9th – Zach Belczyk
17th – Gavin Rowell 
17th – Chris Del Bosco 
17th – Brady Leman
25th – Kris Mahler
33rd – Carson Cook 
33rd – Reece Howden
49th – Jaren Schmidt 

Women’s Ski Cross

2nd – Marielle Thompson
5th – Zoe Chore
8th – Courtney Hoffos
13th – Antoinette Tansley 
17th – Tiana Gairns 
17th – Hannah Schmidt 

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Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

About Alpine Canada
Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community. In 2020, Alpine Canada celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.