Calgary, AB, (January 30, 2021) – On one of the most demanding courses of the World Cup tour, and with 240 World Cup starts under her belt, Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Lac-Etchemin, QC) found her fifth career podium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, GER. Stepping onto the podium in third, the super-G podium is Mitch’s first career podium in a speed event.

“It was a very good day. I was very surprised, but I had a good feeling all day. I felt confident with my plan,” Marie-Michèle said after the race. “The snow conditions allowed for a good result from the back and I could attack the whole course!”

After a week of cancelled training and changing race programs Mitch was able to tune out the distractions and get the job done on the last weekend of women’s World Cup racing before the World Championships in Italy next month. 

“It’s great to be confident going into World Champs, it gives you a 10% edge over the competition. I just have to ski the skis. I’m really excited for Cortina.” 

Mitch, who has been on the Canadian Ski Team since 2007 began focusing on speed in 2017 but this year she began to see results. “I’ve committed to this, and it’s starting to work and starting to show success because it did take longer than I thought,” she said in December reflecting on her 10th place finish in Val d’Isere.

For the 31-year-old, the sky is the limit, “I want to push, and I’m not scared of going down, just excited,” she said looking forward to taking on the best at the World Championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo, ITA in February.   

Mitch will be back in action tomorrow with another shot at the super-G course from 68th Kandahar races. 

Relive the podium magic when the race re-airs at 1 PM ET / 11 AM MT on www.cbcsports.ca. 

###

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

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 celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.