Ericsson and Smith win gold at Para alpine World Cup

Photo and information Alpine Canada

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland – Kalle Ericsson and guide Sierra Smith topped the podium for the first time this season on Sunday with a victory in the men’s giant slalom for visually impaired at a FIS Para Alpine World Cup.

The Canadians posted the fastest first and second runs and have reached the podium in their last six World Cup races this season.

“It was an awesome experience to win both runs today, especially after a couple of mistakes in yesterday’s second run cost us,” said Ericsson, from Kimberley, B.C. “I was hungry to come back today and to deliver two strong runs and we did that.”

“Really exciting to have six podiums in our last six races,” added Smith, from Ottawa. “We are continuing to build momentum for the world championships in a few weeks.”

The next competition for the national Para alpine skiers is in fact the world championships February 6-11 in Maribor, Slovenia.

Canada added two more podium finishes on the slopes Sunday.

Alexis Guimond of Gatineau, Que. notched a silver in the men’s standing GS for his third podium in four races this season. He was third after the first run.

Arthur Bauchet of France collected his eighth win this season while Robin Cuche of Switzerland took the bronze.

In the women’s standing, Michaela Gosselin of Collingwood, Ont. charged to a bronze for her sixth straight World Cup medal, which includes back-to-back wins earlier this week in Santa Caterina, Spain.

Kurt Oatway of Calgary delivered the second fastest second run and took fourth in the men’s sitting GS.