Pridy, Grenier capture Canadian downhill titles despite rough weather

CALGARY, Alberta – Under tough weather conditions, the 2016 Sport Chek Canadian Championships kicked off on Wednesday with the men’s and women’s downhill races. After review of the forecast over the next few days, the race organizing committee (ROC) and jury decided to move the Canadian Championships race earlier in the week to avoid possible cancellations. The racers had to endure mixed conditions throughout their runs, ranging from fog, rain, sunshine and snow, all playing a hand in the races. After several delays, a slew of DNFs and extra slipping crews, the ROC was able to get both men’s and ladies’ races off.

The men pushed out of the start gate first and it was a great homecoming for Whistler, B.C., native, Morgan Pridy who captured the top spot.

“It’s really great to be back here and it’s so nice to race at home! I feel like I have a small advantage being back here but it’s a great group to race with,” said Pridy of his winning run and being back at his home club. “The visibility was pretty good but the course was a bit soft but that’s springtime skiing for you!”

Teammate and fellow Whistler, B.C., local, Broderick Thompson, joined Pridy on the podium in second place, trailing by just 0.65 seconds. B.C. Ski Team member and U19 athlete Riley Seger took third place, finishing just 1.05 seconds back from Pridy’s first-place time.

The weather caused further delays for the ladies as inclement weather rolled in and out. It was a tough start for the women and the first three racers down did not finish. However, Mont-Tremblant’s Valérie Grenier came down with a blazing run to capture first place, winning the Canadian Championships downhill title. Grenier is now the Canadian downhill champion and the World Junior downhill champion, setting the stage for a bright future on the long boards.

“I’m really happy to finish first here today. It’s what I was going for, and I’m glad I could finish off the season with a first-place result,” said Grenier of the finish. “It was a pretty decent run despite the track being pretty slow from all the snow.”

U19 athlete and B.C. Ski Team member, Stefanie Fleckenstein, who also represented Canada at the World Junior Championships in Russia, took second place finishing 0.97 seconds back from Grenier.

“I’m really happy to be on the podium! It was my goal to land on the podium and I’m especially happy to be standing next to Val,” said Fleckenstein. “Having been able to ski the downhill at World Juniors was really great preparation for me, and it’s been great learning so much from Val.”

Joining her sister on the podium was Whistler Mountain Ski Club’s Katie Fleckenstein, another U19 athlete, who finished the day in third place, 3.20 seconds off the lead time.

The next 2016 Sport Chek Canadian Championship race will be the super G, currently scheduled for Saturday. Stay tuned for results and updates.

Release courtesy of Alpine Canada