Canada Wins 10th Ski Cross Nations Cup
Calgary, Alt. (18 March 2023) – Brady Leman (Calgary, AB) ended his career with a win in the 2022_23 FIS Ski Cross World Cup Final today at Craigleith Ski Club in Collingwood, Ontario. Today’s win puts an exclamation point on an illustrious 15-year career that includes an Olympic gold medal and highlights the day Canada took home its 10th cross-country ski cross country trophy. This was Canada’s second consecutive Nations Cup win and sixth in eight seasons.
Leman consistently came out of the gate quickly today and then used his experience to make passes boldly down a tight track. This was Leman’s 32nd podium and sixth career first place, with all four of his wins coming in Canadian snow.
“I’m so excited! It’s the best way to get out,” said a delighted Leman. “I just wanted to leave it all out there today. It was a fight every round and I fought hard all day. A bit lucky in the final but I have to applaud what a career. I love racing, I’ve always loved racing!”
“Today was very emotional,” Leman added. “There were some tears this morning and a lot of emotion but I’m trying to stay focused. I am very happy to have my family and friends here, and to be with my team-mates.”
“Today so captured what Brady was all about,” said Stanley Hayer, Alpine Canada, Head Coach, Ski Cross. “He always found a way to perform in the big races. I think that’s what he’s going to leave with this program. It doesn’t come easy, but if you keep fighting and keep pushing, good things will happen.”
In the women’s race, Marielle Thompson (Whistler BC) took second to follow yesterday’s third and Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC), in her first race in a year, cruised to third.
“I wanted to go above and beyond what I did yesterday, and I did so I’m pretty happy,” said Thompson. “I think I could have done a lot more today but I am happy to share the podium with Britt. He has been recovering from injury for a long time, I am very proud of him.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the result,” said Phelan. “These few days were really hard to get used to the bigger and faster tracks, so today I just wanted to ski as usual. I tried to make good turns and be patient, it worked out well.”
Three other Canadian women finished in the top 10 today, with Tiana Gairns (Prince George, BC) finishing in sixth, Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC), following up yesterday’s podium, in 7th and Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) in 9th place. Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) placed 13th.
Antoinette Tansley (Calgary, AB), India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) and Zoe Chore (Cranbrook, BC) also raced today but failed to qualify.
While all eyes were on Leman today, the two Canadian men finished in the top 10 with Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) in 7th, while yesterday’s winner and Crystal Globe holder, Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) was in 2nd. -9.
The other Canadian competing today is 13th Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON), while Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON), Carson Cook (Edmonton, AB) and Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) all tied for 3rd 17th, with Zach Belczyk (Banff , AB) arriving on the 25th.
Andrew Wilson, Zachary Reynolds and Callum McEwen did not advance from today’s qualifiers.
Canada lead the World Cup ski cross standings for most of the season and extended their lead this weekend thanks to good results from the team. The Nations Cup was first presented for ski cross in 2008 with Canada winning in 10 of the 16 years the Nations Cup has been served.
“This is a very special group,” says Stanley Hayer, Alpine Canada, Head Coach, Ski Cross. “Reece and Marielle have obviously been amazing but it’s really been a team effort with everyone contributing this season. And it’s been great for us to send Brady out on a team win is a great representation of what he gives to our sport and our country.”
At the 2022_23 FIS Alpine World Cup Finals in Soldeau, Andorra, Amelia Smart (Invermere, BC) became the top Canadian woman in slalom today by finishing 11th, eight top 30s in 11 World Cup starts this season. Ali Nullmeyer (Toronto, ON) cruised to 12th and world championship gold medalist Laurence St-Germain (St. Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC) did not finish his second round.
In today’s men’s World Cup Final giant slalom, Erik Read (Canmore, AB) was the only Canadian to qualify but he did not complete his second round today.
Next Race
Closing Alpine World Cup Final in Soldeau, Andorra, tomorrow, Sunday, March 19th.
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For more information or media inquiries, please contact
Mark Halliday
mhalliday@alpinecanada.org I 403-777-3204
About the Canadian Alps
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 coaching codes of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, together with the Government of Canada, Podium Owners, Canadian Olympic Committee, and Canadian Coaches Association, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth within the community. skiing. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada is celebrating 100 years of the rich tradition of competitive skiing in Canada.
