Calgary, AB. (Dec 21, 2023) — Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) continued his dominant season with his third straight win today at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup races in Innichen (ITA). Schmidt is the first Canadian since Marielle Thompson in 2017, and the first Canadian man, to win three ski cross World Cup races in a row. Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), Jared’s sister, stood on the podium in third place today leading Canada’s women takin four places in the top nine, while Canada had three men in the top eight.

Racing was tight all day on the tricky course on a warm, overcast day in Innichen. Today’s win extends Jared’s lead in the ski cross Crystal Globe standings and comes in his 38th World Cup start.

“Back-to-back to back wins feels great,” said a smiling Jared Schmidt. “I feel that the speed has always been there, and this season I’ve found that extra gear. The team is rolling right now, and we’re excited to keep skiing and having fun.”

“Coming from last week’s short track in Arosa to this longer, harder course with big jumps, I really had to battle and just stay in it,” added Jared. “The team is skiing so well; everyone is working hard and it’s great to see all the good results.”

Giving Canada four women in the top nine were Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) in sixth, Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) in eight and India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) in ninth.

On the men’s side Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) delivered a career best sixth place finish and Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) took eighth. Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) finished 16th and Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) 22nd.

At the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup giant slalom in Steinach am Brenner (AUT) Alexis Guimond (Gatineau, QC) extended his podium streak to five this season and to 11 straight podiums dating back to last season in the men standing. Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB) was fifth today in men sitting.

“Feels great to be on the podium at 11 consecutive races,” said Guimond. “I’ve been doing this for a few years now and I think it’s a sign of maturity and experience. I’m really happy to be consistent and hope to keep it up.”

“Today’s race was difficult,” added Guimond. “It was a long course and putting together two good runs was challenging. Had a little hip slide in the second run but didn’t lose too much momentum and managed to hold on to second place.”

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Ski cross continues in Innichen (ITA) on Friday.

Para-alpine race GS again in Steinach am Brenner (AUT) on Friday.

Men’s tech race slalom in Madonna di Campiglio (ITA) Dec 22.

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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.