Calgary, Alta. (December 10, 2016) – It was another great day in Val d’Isère, France for Calgary’s Erik Read who bettered last weekend’s finish by one, ending the day’s giant slalom in eighth-place. The 25-year-old is having a breakout season on the World Cup tour setting himself up as Canada’s next technical ace. 

“Last weekend was one thing but to get in there again and actually better my result is incredible!” said Read. “The good news is that I'll start in the top 30 for the next World Cup races, which I look forward to capitalizing on.”

Wearing bib number 50, Read sat in the 21st spot after the first run. Read proved once again he’s the king of the second run. Putting down a flawless run, arcing every turn and gaining speed at every split, Read moved up 13 spots, spending considerable time in the leader box. 

“I've been skiing really good giant slalom all summer so I’m really happy to see it come together on race day,” said Read. “This result is due to so many things, including a lot of hard work. Going into this year I knew what I wanted to achieve mentally, physically, and with my equipment. I can't thank everybody enough who helped me get here!”

Today’s giant slalom race is the second in a row in Val d’Isère but today’s race was held on the ‘La Face’ track, which is considerably steeper and tougher than last weekend’s. This venue has been the site of success for an older Read as well. Back in 1975, Read’s father, famed Canadian Crazy Canuck Ken Read, won his first World Cup in Val d'Isère. 

It was a tough day for Calgary’s Trevor Philp and Toronto’s Phil Brown who failed to qualify for second runs. 

In front of a cheering home crowd, France’s Alexis Pinturault took first-place by 0.33 seconds. Marcel Hirscher of Austria finished in second-place and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen finished in third-place. 

The technical women racers were also in action today in Sestriere, Italy. Quebec’s Marie-Michèle Gagnon finished the first run sitting in the 19th-spot, dropping two places to close out today’s race in 21st-place. 

Erin Mielznynski, Candace Crawford and Valérie Grenier also pushed out of today’s start gate but failed to make the top 30 flip. 

France’s Tessa Worley claimed her second giant slalom win of the season by 0.15 seconds. Italy’s Sofia Goggia took second-place and Switzerland’s Lara Gut rounded out the podium in third-place, 0.29 seconds back from the lead time. 

Men and women tech athletes are back at it again tomorrow for a slalom race in Val D’isere and Sestriere.

Canadian men’s results

8 – Erik Read

DNQ – Trevor Philp

DNQ – Phil Brown 

Full results here.

Canadian ladies’ results

21 – Marie-Michèle Gagnon

DNQ – Erin Mielzynski

DNQ – Candace Crawford

DNQ – Valérie Grenier 

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.