Calgary, Alta. (January 7, 2017) – Quebec’s Marie-Michèle Gagnon found the top ten in the Maribor (SLO) giant slalom today, finishing in 9th-place. Gagnon demonstrated consistency on today’s track, holding onto her ninth-place spot for both runs. This is the second giant slalom top-ten finish for the 27-year-old this season.

"Today was another solid result with another top ten," said Gagon. "Both my runs were pretty good but I know there is more in the tank which is a good place to build from. I'm happy with my result but not completely satisified, which is a good place to be since I know I can charge and take more risks."

The Maribor (SLO) track is similar to that in Semmering (AUT) where Gagnon also found a top ten finish, capturing a seventh-place result in the giant slalom. With no real steep pitches, today’s track relied on the technical ability of the ladies to attack the course. The ladies raced in freezing temperatures today with winter finally showing its face in Europe. 

It was a great day for Canada with Quebec’s young Valérie Grenier also finding the top 30 and finishing with a career-best result. Grenier put together two clean runs to finish in 22nd-place. The 20-year-old has captured points in giant slalom, slalom, downhill and super-G this season demonstrating she’s a promising all-around skier on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. Today’s 22nd-place finish marks Grenier’s second top 30 finish in giant slalom this season.

"I'm super excited about my result today!" said Grenier. "It's really exciting and really encouraging. I'm happy with the 22nd and I know that what I'm doing is working so I can progress each race."

France’s Tessa Worley took the win today, leading the pack by decidedly large margin of 1.14 seconds. Sofia Goggia from Italy finished in second-place and Switzerland’s Lara Gut rounded out the podium, sitting 1.79 seconds back. 

The men also raced a giant slalom today, putting down their race in Adelboden (SUI). It was a disappointing day for Canada with no one qualifying for the top 30 flip. Calgary’s Erik Read, who has been on fire this season scooping up personal-bests and top ten finishes, made a costly mistake resulting in a 33rd-place finish in the first run. Toronto’s Phil Brown narrowly missed the flip, finishing the first run in 32nd, and Calgary’s Trevor Philp was further back, sitting in 43rd after the first run. 

The men and women will have another chance tomorrow with both teams racing slalom. 

Canadian women’s results

9 – Marie-Michèle Gagnon

22 – Valérie Grenier

Full results here. 

Canadian men’s results

DNQ – Erik Read

DNQ – Phil Brown

DNQ – Trevor Philp

Full results here. 

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.