Calgary, AB. (Mar 22, 2024) — Six Canadian racers stood on podiums today at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup Finals in Idre Fjäll (SWE) and at the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Sella Nevea (ITA). Leading the way were Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC), who won for the second time in her last three starts and Kalle Ericsson (Kimberley, BC), with guide Sierra Smith (Ottawa, ON), who topped the podium for the second time this season in para-alpine.

On an overcast day on the feature filled course in Idre Fjäll at the penultimate ski cross race of the season, Phelan battled and made passes in all her heats to win today’s women’s race. This is Phelan’s seventh podium of the season, and fifth in the last six races. India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) finished second today for her third podium of the season.

“It was awesome today,” said a pleased Phelan. “Feels really good to get a second win, two is better than one, and it was cool to cross the finish line and see India there with me. Made some smart tactical decisions today that played out well and looking to do the same tomorrow.”

 “I’m very happy for Britt and it’s fun to stand on the podium with her,” said Sherret. “The course was a little slow today and that made things challenging so hoping it’s faster tomorrow. I need to clean up a couple of things on the bottom that cost me positions today and looking forward to racing tomorrow.”

Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) won today’s small final to finish fifth and now leads the women’s season standings by 67 points ahead of tomorrow’s final race of the season. Tiana Gairns (Prince George, BC) was seventh today and Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) 10th.

On the men’s side, Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) took third place today and now sits third, 39 points out of first, in the season standings with just tomorrow’s race left on the season calendar. Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) was a career best fifth today, Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) seventh and Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) 31st.

In today’s slalom race at the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Sella Nevea (ITA), Ericsson and Smith stood in third place after the first run and delivered the fastest second run to take the win in the men’s visually impaired category. This is their sixth World Cup podium in their first season on the circuit.  

“Our gameplan for the second run today was to just go as fast as we could,” said a smiling Ericsson. “We’ve been waiting a long time to get in front of Aigner (Johannes Aigner, AUT) and it feels great.”

“Thought we had a great plan going into the second run. Kalle was right on my tail the whole way down. We kept fighting and got the bottom with a sweet result,” added Smith.

Michaela Gosselin (Collingwood, ON) finished third today for her first podium since 2022, while Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB) didn’t finish his first run in men sitting.

“I’m super pumped to be back on the podium after coming back from injury,” said a happy Gosselin. “Today was my first slalom back and I’m very excited with my result.”

The men raced super-G today at the FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Saalbach (AUT) and Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) was the top Canadian finishing in ninth place on a warm day with spring like conditions. Reigning world champion James Crawford (Toronto, ON) was 14th and Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) 19th. With today’s result Read finishes 10th in the super-G season standings.

“I knew this was a track that I really liked and that I have some speed on,” said Read. “I went out and really pushed and had a few hiccups and one big mistake at the bottom. The skiing was there today and to finish ninth, my second-best super-G result of the season feels pretty good.”

“It’s been a goal to build super-G and pretty stoked to be in the top 10 for the season. This shows that the consistency is there and it puts me in a good spot to build on into next season.”

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Ski cross race have the last race of the season in Idre Fjäll (SWE) on Mar 23.

Alpine World Cup Finals continue through Mar 24.

Para-alpine World Cup Finals continue through March 25.

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For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
403 777 3204
media@alpinecanada.org

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.