Calgary, AB. (Dec 16, 2023) — James Crawford (Toronto, ON) wrapped up the opening weekend of the men’s speed racing with a fifth-place finish in today’s downhill at the FIS Ski World Cup race in Val Gardena (ITA). Crawford delivered a series of consistent results over three days of racing in Val Gardena with two fifth places in downhill and a sixth in super-G.

“I’m happy with the skiing today but definitely could have been better,” said Crawford. “There have been little mistakes this week that cost me so need to keep working to clean those up. I feel good with the path that I’m on and hope to continue on it into the rest of the season.”

At today’s opening race of the para-alpine season, Alexis Guimond (Gatineau, QC) and Kurt Oatway got their seasons started with a pair of third place finishes at the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup downhill in St. Moritz (SUI). Racing in the men’s standing category Guimond delivered his third consecutive World Cup downhill third place finish dating back to last season.

“Very happy to be back racing today, it felt really good to be back in the start gate,” said Guimond. “The conditions were pretty good so I’m happy to put down a good run and to make the podium. Looking forward to tomorrow, to working through some of the little details and to being faster.”

This is Oatway’s first podium in men’s sitting downhill since a third place last March in Sella Nevea (ITA). “It’s been a while since I felt good in speed,” said Oatway. “So being on the podium in the first race this season is a nice way to start things off. Didn’t have great training this week so approached some of today as a bit of a training run. Feels like there’s more speed out there and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Frédérique Turgeon (Montreal, QC) was fourth today in the women’s standing competition in St. Moritz.

On another warm sunny day in Val Gardena, Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) finished 44th today after a 10th place in yesterday’s super-G. Other Canadians on course today were Kyle Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) 48th, Brodie Seger (North Vancouver, BC) 55th and Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC), coming off his 10th place in Thursday’s downhill and seventh in yesterday’s super-G, did not finish today’s run.

Stefanie Fleckenstein (Calgary, AB) was the only Canadian racing today at the FIS Ski World Cup women’s downhill in Val d’Isère (FRA). Fleckenstein raced to her second consecutive top 30 this season with a 27th place finish before falling as she crossed the finish. She was transported by helicopter to Grenoble where she is being treated for a lower body injury.

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Para-alpine continue racing in St. Moritz (SUI) with a DH on Sunday.

Women speed have a SG on Sunday in Val d’Isère (FRA).

Men’s tech race a pair of GS in Alta Badia (ITA) December 17 and 18.

Women’s tech have a SL in Courchevel (FRA) Dec 21.

Ski cross return to action Dec 21 and 22 in Innichen (ITA).

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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.