KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia – Alexis Guimond of Gatineau, Que., was Canada’s top racer on Monday as he placed seventh in the men’s giant slalom to open the 2019 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships.
Guimond was the 2018 Paralympic Games bronze medallist in the giant slalom, and said he struggled with his focus in the first run after a mistake partway down.
He was hoping to fare better.
“In the second run, I came in charging with some great skiing on the top, and unfortunately, I had a costly mistake which left me in tough position to finish (where I was hoping to),” said Guimond, 19, who skies with one pole due to hemiparesis which affects the right side of his body.
“Overall I’m happy with my approach coming into today, and I felt I was in a good place but finished with some frustration toward the outcome of the day. I’m looking forward to the speed races.’’
Arthur Bauchet of France successfully defended his world title from 2017.
In the same event, Braydon Luscombe of Duncan, B.C., was 14th.
In the men’s sitting race, Alex Cairns of Squamish, B.C. was 11th while Kurt Oatway of Calgary, the Paralympic Games downhill champion, did not finish his first run.
Competition continues Tuesday with the women’s GS featuring double Paralympic Games medallist Alana Ramsay of Calgary.
All events are being live-streamed on the CPC Facebook Page, the CBC Gem app, with select races available at radio-canada.ca/sports.
(with files from Alpine Canada)
