Calgary, Alta. (Dec. 7, 2019) – After a huge opening day to the World Cup season, the Canadian Ski Cross team was back at it on Saturday in Val Thorens, France. Kris Mahler, who is returning from injury, had his first World Cup podium, taking home the gold medal. Courtney Hoffos of Windermere, BC, had another another strong performance, taking the bronze medal, following up on her silver medal yesterday. 

Mahler battled through the quarter-final and semi-final heats and led for the entire final run. 

“After two long years of rehab and too many sick days I can’t even believe it. That’s one way to come back that’s for sure. I stayed focused and we found some lines that were working.”

Mahler felt that today was the culmination of the work he’d put in getting back on snow. 

“The number one thing I learned after being injured is it’s not big gains you make every day, it’s the little ones, you keep moving forward.”

Hoffos, who is in her first full season with the team and starting only her fourth World Cup race, was ecstatic after two days of racing and is feeling good going into the rest of the season. 

“So much fun. One heat at a time. Ski fast. I’m excited to keep performing and inspiring kids back home.” 

Bronze medal winner yesterday India Sherret of Invermere, BC finished fourth. Zoe Chore of Cranbrook, BC qualified for the small final and finished eighth. 

On the men’s side Olympic gold medallist Brady Leman of Calgary, AB and gold medal winner yesterday Kevin Drury of Toronto, ON qualified for the small final and finished fifth and sixth. 

Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) finished in 9th position, Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) – 10th. Chris Del Bosco (Montreal, QC) finished 18th spot, Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) – 26th,  Zack Belczyck (Banff, AB) – 27th.

The team looks to build on their winning streak as the Cross Alps Tour moves on to Montafon, Austria. 

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

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