Gagnon crowned Canadian ladies’ GS champion for fourth time in 11 appearances

Mont-Édouard, Que. (March 25, 2019) – Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Lac-Etchemin, Que./Mont Orignal) raced to her fourth Canadian ladies’ giant slalom title on Monday, laying down the fastest two-run time (two minutes, 34.71 seconds) at the 2019 Canadian Alpine Championships at Mont-Édouard in her home province of Quebec.

The win marks Gagnon’s 15th Canadian title spanning both technical disciplines of slalom and giant slalom, as well as the super combined and super-G events.

“(The) National Championships are important to me. I love my role as a leader, as the oldest (racer) here,” said Gagnon of her role as a veteran of not only the national team, but a role model for the up-and-coming racers from across the country. “I like to give the young skiers some motivation, show them how it’s done, how to prepare to the World Cup circuit, and I like to share my own experience.”

Joining Gagnon on the podium were Marina Vilanova (Montreal/Club de ski Mont-Tremblant) – a member of Canada’s Alpine Development Team since 2016 – who captured silver, as well as fellow World Cup racer and recent NCAA Championship slalom winner Laurence St-Germain (St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que./Club de ski Mont Ste-Anne), who skied to bronze.

In men’s Nationals’ racing, the combined was postponed again due to strong winds.

A FIS slalom race was held Monday, and won by Simon Fournier (Montreal/Club de ski Mont-Tremblant). The 2018 U19 slalom champion Declan MacCormack (Osler Bluff Ski Club) finished second, and Vancouver’s Riley Seger (Whistler Mountain Ski Club) was third. The men’s National Championships’ slalom race is currently scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 26.

Audi 2019 Canadian Ski Racing Awards presented by Helly Hansen

From now until April 15, Alpine Canada and partners Audi Canada and Helly Hansen are accepting nominations and votes to determine the winners of the Audi 2019 Canadian Ski Racing Awards presented by Helly Hansen. Media, fans, and members of the Canadian ski community are invited to help celebrate the nation’s vibrant ski racing community by recognizing the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and ski resorts that have made a positive mark this season. Visit AlpineCanada.org/Awards for more details.