Calgary, AB (January 16, 2020) – The Canadian Ski Cross Team hopes that the mercury will begin to rise just in time for them to heat up the track at the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup supported by Mackenzie Investments. The race, which makes a return to Alberta after taking place in Blue Mountain, ON last year, is the only opportunity for the team to race the World Cup circuit in North America. 

2018 Olympic Champion Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) and 23-time World Cup winner Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) look to lead a strong team of athletes into Nakiska where Canada has had six podiums in the last seven years.

For many on the team including Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB), Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB), Antoinette Tansley (Calgary, AB), Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) and Leman the race is sure to have a number of friends and family in attendance. “Racing at home is always something I look forward to. The energy of the crowd, and the inspiration from the Canadian fans really pushes me to another level. I’m looking forward to getting back to Nakiska and racing in front of family and friends on a mountain that I grew up racing on” said Calgarian Leman. 

The team will be joined by Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) who is coming off her first World Cup podiums in the Cross Alps Tour earlier this season and current World Cup points leader Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON). 

The rest of the Canadian Ski Cross Team, who raced to strong performances at Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer, AB, this past weekend, will be looking for more podiums. Do not miss Chris Del Bosco (Montreal, QC), Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC), Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), Britt Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC), India Sherret (Cranbrooke, BC), Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), Ned Ireland (Lake Country, BC), Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC), Zach Belczyk (Banff, AB) and Zoe Chore (Cranbrook, BC) as they put on a show for the fans. 

If you can’t make it out to the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup supported by Mackenzie Investments at Nakiska Ski Area you can catch the race online at 2:00 p.m. EST / 12:00 p.m. MST at www.cbcsports.ca  or on CBC at 5:00 p.m. EST / 3:00 p.m. MST. 

For more information check out https://alpinecanada.org/events/fis-ski-cross-world-cup-nakiska-can.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.orgI 403-471-6032 

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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 will celebrate 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.