Calgary, Alta. (December 28, 2022) – Canada’s alpine ski racers returned to the slopes after the Christmas break with James (Jack) Crawford (Toronto, ON) leading the men and Valérie Grenier (St-Isidore, QC) pacing the women. 

Crawford delivered a career best second place in the downhill at Bormio, Italy, while Grenier’s fifth place finish in today’s women’s giant slalom at Semmering, Austria, is her best result this World Cup season.

On the demanding Bormio downhill course, Crawford started eight and laid down a blistering run securing him a place on the podium by over a second. This is Crawford’s second podium in the downhill this season and his fourth consecutive World Cup downhill top seven finish this December. 

“I’m really happy with a second-place finish today,” said a pleased Crawford. “Moving into the new year, I couldn’t be happier than to be standing on the podium.”

Starting 19th in the second run in today’s women’s GS, Grenier charged down the hill to the fastest second run of the day. She was sitting in the leader’s chair for a handful of racers before settling for fifth. This is Grenier’s fourth career World Cup top five finish and her best result since finishing fourth last January.

“It’s a really great feeling to get a good result today,” said a smiling Grenier. “That second run was amazing! I focused on my technical skiing and kept to my plan. It felt great to sit in the leader’s chair for a little while, even if I knew I wasn’t likely to stay there.”

It was a strong day for the men in Bormio, Italy with four finishing in the top 20. Along with Crawford, Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) finished 12th, Brodie Seger (North Vancouver, BC) 16th and Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) 19th, with all four pick-up World Cup points. Broderick Thompson (Whistler, BC) finished 41st.

“Today was a really good team result” added Crawford. “We haven’t had these many guys in the top 20 in a long time and to see everyone pushing and putting down skiing like that is really exciting”

On the women’s side, in Semmering, Britt Richardson, (Canmore, AB) didn’t advance to the second run.

Next Race

Women tech skiers race slalom tomorrow in Semmering, Austria.

Men speed racers are Bormio, Italy tomorrow for a super-G

Para-alpine racers have a holiday break from competition returning to action at the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Championships 2023 at Espot and La Molina, Spain, January 18th to 30th.

Ski cross has a break from World Cup racing until January 20th at Idre Fjäll, Sweden.

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For more information or media inquiries please contact
Mark Halliday
mhalliday@alpinecanada.org I 403-777-3204

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. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada celebrated 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.