Marcoux and Rodgers remain unbeatable in 2020

KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia – Mac Marcoux and his guide Tristan Rodgers made it seven wins in a row to open the 2020 World Cup Para alpine skiing season while Alexis Guimond and Kurt Oatway added silver medals in Tuesday’s giant slalom races.

Marcoux and Rodgers fought through a mistake at the top of the second run but recovered for their 51st career podium on the circuit and 11th victory in a row dating back to 2018 clocking one minute and 53.08 seconds over two runs.

Paralympic Games champion Giacomo Bertagnolli of Italy actually posted the fastest second run but it wasn’t enough to catch the Canadians as he timed 1:53.21. Neil Simpson of Britain was third.

“Tristan and I are pumped to come out on top today,’’ said Marcoux, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. ‘’We had a pretty big mistake in the top section of the second run but managed to regain composure and charge the bottom section. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s giant slalom. The fatigue is setting in so we’re going to have to dig deep.”

Guimond, from Gatineau, Que., notched the fastest second run in the men’s standing to finish just 0.22 seconds back of winner Aleksei Bugaev of Russia (1:54.24.). 

“Today went pretty good and I had some solid skiing,’’ said Guimond. ‘’It was nice to have a really tight race. I had a little mistake that cost me the win but I’m happy with my skiing and consistency.” 

Oatway was happy with his silver but sees further room for improvement. 

“I had some fast skis, good edges,’’ he said. ‘’I had a few bobbles here and there that cost me a little time but all in all it was a good day.’’

Mel Pemble of Victoria was eighth in the women’s standing.