Crans-Montana, SUI (February 26, 2022) — Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Lac-Etchemin, QC) continues her streak of downhill consistency in Switzerland, placing 8th in the first of two races this weekend.

“I’ve been consistently solid, but I’m pushing for more than just a top 10 as well. I’m excited for tomorrow for another chance on a track that I really like,” says Gagnon.

“In the end today, we had a solid result again, another top 10 in downhill. [Marie-Michèle] had a solid run, with maybe something to find in the flats. We will try to make the next steps to find those tenths and hundredths,” adds head coach Manuel Gamper.

Known for being one the most difficult trail on the circuit, Crans-Montana is the 28th stop of the women's 2021-2022 Alpine Ski World Cup and the first since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. However, the demands of the course were equally distributed with conditions remaining favourable from bib 1 straight through to the last racer to kick out. 

“The light was the same for everyone, and the snow stayed really quick. Some girls from the back did well, it was really fair for everyone,” Gagnon adds.

This event also marks the first on the circuit with full crowds; Switzerland no longer enforces a mask mandate, and the stands were filled with Swiss racing fans.

“It was so cool that there was a crowd again,” says Gagnon. “It’s full stands, three huge stands, and it was so cool to come down and hear the cheering. I guess I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I felt it.”

Following this weekend, athletes will remain in Switzerland for the next leg of the World Cup in Lenzerheide March 5-6.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Kylie Robertson I Manager of Communications 
krobertson@alpinecanada.org I 403-777-3204

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