Fanchini wins again at World Juniors; Acton two, Stiegler nine

Fanchini wins again at World Juniors; Acton two, Stiegler nine{mosimage}BARDONECCHIA (Italy) February 26, 2005 For the second consecutive day, one of Canada’s World Junior Champions skied to a silver medal in Italy.
Brigitte Acton of the Mont-Tremblant ski club claimed her career best result and best performance at the World Juniors today finishing just .30 seconds behind winner, Nadia Fanchini, 2:21.34.

Resi Stiegler was the top American again, finishing ninth Saturday in the giant slalom concluding the women’s schedule. The men race giant slalom on Sunday, and Stiegler will travel up the road to race the World Cup combination at San Sicario.

Acton’s silver comes just one day after Alberta athlete, Gareth Sine claimed the first medal of the World Junior Championships in Friday’s men super G. Michaela Kirchgasser of Austria was 3rd, with a time of 2:21.73.

“After the first run, I was in 7th place’ told Acton who is competing at her 3rd World Juniors. ‘ I knew I had to attack for the second run, let go and take more risks’.

Acton says she is better at staying relaxed mentally this year and is more aware of her physical fitness abilities. ‘ I have attained my goal for the World Juniors and now I feel confident entering into the combined event in San Sicario tomorrow’.

Sophie Splawinski, also from the Mont Tremblant ski club, finished 7th today, 2:22.35. After being in 8th place for the first run, Sophie had the best time at the top intermediate section for run 2 but didn’t pull it off in the final sections. ‘ I was on my way to a great result, but it was an exciting race none the less and I am happy. I am especially proud of Brigitte, ‘ said Sophie.

‘I would have like to do better here but I will now focus on doing my best at the final Europa Cup races of the season, ‘ concluded Splawinski.

Splawinski was 3rd overall in the combined event that includes the slalom result of today and the downhill race from February 23.

Marie- Pier Prefontaine was 30th today in 2:26.28, but was second overall in the combined event for the younger age category of racers, J1’s.

‘ This week has been my first time racing in Europe, ‘ admitted Prefontaine.
‘ I didn’t put any pressure on myself, and just want the experience. I could have skied better but it has been fun racing and meeting the National team athletes. I am now off to gain experience at the Europa Cups.’

RESULTS – BARDONECCHIA, ITALY – FEB.26, 2005

1 FANCHINI Nadia ITA 1:12.41 1:08.93 2:21.34
2 ACTON Brigitte CAN 1:12.43 1:09.21 2:21.64
3 KIRCHGASSER Michaela AUT 1:12.05 1:09.68 2:21.73
4 ZETTEL Kathrin AUT 1:12.47 1:09.52 2:21.99
5 ZAHROBSKA Sarka CZE 1:12.40 1:09.62 2:22.02
6 FANCHINI Elena ITA 1:12.24 1:09.89 2:22.13
7 SPLAWINSKI Sophie CAN 1:12.55 1:09.80 2:22.35
8 PIETILAE-HOLMNER Maria SWE 1:11.48 1:10.93 2:22.41
9 STIEGLER Resi USA 1:12.63 1:10.18 2:22.81 10 FERNSEBNER Carolin GER 1:13.30 1:10.41 2:23.71
11 BREM Eva-Maria AUT 1:13.52 1:10.34 2:23.86
12 JAZBEC Katja SLO 1:14.02 1:10.21 2:24.23
13 HANSDOTTER Frida SWE 1:13.99 1:10.28 2:24.27
14 MARSHALL Chelsea USA 1:14.02 1:10.37 2:24.39
***
15 STABER Veronika GER 1:13.51 1:10.89 2:24.40 30 PREFONTAINE Marie-Pier CAN 1:14.97 1:11.31 2:26.28
45 GOODMAN Anna CAN 1:15.72 1:12.33 2:28.05

Other Canadian Results
TARCHUK Kristen (CAN), DNF

For complete results
click here.