Calgary, AB, (February 26, 2021) – The women’s World Cup tour was back in the start gate and charging down a new course! La Volata in Val di Fassa was the backdrop for today’s sun-soaked downhill and Marie-Michèle Gagnon, coming off a 6th place finish in the super G at the World Championships was charging. Marie-Michèle finished in 7th, a career-best result in the downhill and a great start to a long weekend of racing! 

“Today was a very positive result, my best result in downhill in my career,” Mitch said after her race. “I know I can do more, so there is a fire burning.”

The progress Mitch has seen this season has been impressive, with five top-15 finishes including a podium in the super-G in Garmisch earlier this year. It hasn’t been an easy road for the Canadian veteran but her focus on speed, which began before the 2018 Olympics, is beginning to pay off. 

“Today the skis were fast, even with the snow and warm temperatures. Mitch has talent on the speed side, two years after her injury she is back and physically in the right state for speed,” Women’s Head Coach, Manuel Gamper said after the race. “The addition of speed expert, coach Hansjörg Plankensteiner has also been helping big time. He has connected well with Mitch. Mitch took the chance (to move over to speed) and I want to give her tons of credit for what she has done lately.”

“Now I just have to ski a little better in the middle and we’ll see what happens,” Mitch said looking forward to tomorrow’s race. 

Mitch will be back at it tomorrow morning for another go at the downhill, catch all the action beginning at 5 AM ET / 3 AM MT on cbcsports.ca.  

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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.