Calgary, AB. (Dec 13, 2024) — India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) stood on the top step of a World Cup podium for the second time in her career today winning the women’s FIS Ski Cross World Cup race in Val Thorens (FRA). In her 63rdWorld Cup start, Sherret won all her heats today for her sixth career podium. 

In the second of back-to-back races in Val Thorens, today’s race started from a lower, reserve start because of high winds, making for a shorter course. Coming off yesterday’s season opening win, Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC), followed-up with a third-place finish. Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) won today’s small final to finish fifth, while Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) finished 12th.

“Super stocked to get the win today, and great to share the podium with Marielle,” said a smiling Sherret. “I’ve been chasing Marielle for a long time so it’s special to be on the podium with her. In the finals I tried to get a good pull out of the start and then just hold off these great racers. This is such a nice course, it was disappointing to have to race on the shorter course today but it worked out OK. It may not have been my best work but I held it together and really happy with the result.”

In the men’s race, Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) raced to third place for back-to-back podiums in the seasons two opening races. This is Drury’s 95th World Cup start, his 15th podium and his first back-to-back podium since early 2020. 

Other Canadian men in action today were Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) in ninth, Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) 10th, Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) 26th and Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) in 31st.

On the final day of racing at the season opening FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup in Steinach am Brenner (AUT), Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB), competing in men sitting, raced to the win in today’s super-G for his third podium in three races this season. 

“Three World Cup races and three podiums is a great way to start the season,” said a grinning Oatway. “I had good results the last few super-G races and just gave it my all today. It’s been a few years since my last World Cup win so this feels good. Our coach, Will Marshall, set the course today and that seemed to work well for me, so thanks Will!”

Michaela Gosselin (Collingwood, ON) racing in women standing, followed-up yesterday’s second place finish with a third place today. While Kalle Ericsson (Kimberley, BC), and guide Sierra Smith (Ottawa, ON) competing in men visually impaired, took third for the second day in a row. Katie Combaluzier (Toronto, ON) in women sitting, did not finish her run.

Next CANskiteam World Cup races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Ski cross are in Arosa (SUI) for a night race on Tuesday December 17 (2pm ET) 

Men alpine race super-G and downhill in Val Gardena / Groeden (ITA) Dec 20 and 21

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Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
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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.