Calgary, AB, (January 17, 2021) – In what will go down as one of the best starts to a World Cup career for a Canadian in recent memory, youngster Cassidy Gray (Panorama, BC) finished in 26th in just her second career World Cup start ever. Starting with bib number 57, Cassidy’s result was particularly impressive given the difficulty of the giant slalom course in Kranjska Gora, SLO, and that she also qualified for a second run in her very first world cup race yesterday, proving she has earned her place to race at the highest level.  

“It’s been a goal of mine for a long time to start a World Cup and to get to do it here, with this team was amazing,” Cassidy said after her second run. “Today was a crazy first run and I was so nervous for the second run. I’m overall really happy with how it went. Now that I see what I can do I have a lot more confidence going into the next races.”

At just 19 years old, Cassidy is a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team (CAST) NextGen Program that recognizes alpine athletes’ performance and potential as an alpine ski racer. Hailing from Team Panorama, in Invermere, BC, and developing through the sport system with the Alberta Ski Team, Cassidy also skis with the University of Colorado Buffaloes.  

Leading the way on the team is veteran Valérie Grenier (Mont-Tremblant, QC), who locked in two top 20 results this weekend with 15th and 16th place finishes respectively. Today marks Valérie’s fifth race back from injury and showing she’s ready to be competing amongst the world’s bests again with consistent top 25 results this season. 

“Overall, I was really happy with my race today. I was happy to be in the top-15 today. I wasn’t sure how it would go in these tough conditions and on this difficult hill,” said Valérie after her second run. “I’m looking forward to racing Kronplatz, ITA next week.  it’s a tough hill but I think I can do well.”

The next stop on the women’s World Cup tour is in Crans Montana, SUI for a weekend of speed events. 

###

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.