Canada’s Alexis Guimond upsets Paralympic Games champion for Para alpine skiing World Cup gold

SAALBACH, Austria – Canada’s Alexis Guimond upset multiple Paralympic Games and world champion Arthur Bauchet of France to win the men’s standing downhill gold at the fourth stop on the Para alpine World Cup circuit.

Guimond is currently tuning up for what he hopes are his third Paralympic Winter Games which run March 6-15 in Milano Cortina, Italy.

‘’I was convinced that I could win today,” Guimond told Sportcom. “I had an excellent round and felt much more confident at the start. I knew where I had lost time yesterday (Tuesday), and I adjusted my tactics.”

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The 26-year-old from Gatineau, Que., mastered the 1,801-metre course in 54.91 edging Bauchet by a mere 0.04 seconds. Robin Cuche of Switzerland took the bronze in 55.27.  There were 23 entries.

It was Guimond’s third World Cup win this season and seventh podium. His other two victories were in the Super G at the season opening World Cup last month.

“I’m feeling really good in the speed events this season; I’m very comfortable during competitions. It bodes well for what’s ahead—I’ve found a good rhythm.”

In the women’s standing downhill, France’s Aurélie Richard continued her season domination with the victory while Varvara Voronchikhina of Russia was second and Mollie Jepsen of West Vancouver third.

Jepsen, with six medals over the past two Paralympic Winter Games, has six medals this season on the circuit with four silver and two bronze.

Competition resumes with Super G races on Friday and Saturday.