Canadians Crown GS and Slalom National Champions

It was an exciting and challenging week of racing at Red Mountain Resort for the Canadian national championships. Unrelenting fresh snowfall made for tough conditions.

In slalom, Erin Mielzynski won back-to-back titles. The World Cup veteran was crowned the 2018 national slalom champion, making it her third title in this discipline. She also won in 2017 at Mont-Tremblant and in 2015 at Mont-Sainte Anne.

“It was honestly a little nerve-wracking to defend a title,” said Mielzynski. “It was definitely a bit rougher second run but some good practice to see how far I can push and keep a lead. It was a lot of fun and the volunteers did a really great job getting the race off. I’m really happy to be here and stand on the podium. Nationals is the biggest thing for us tech racers to come to right now in Canada. It means a lot to me to race with these youngsters. Sometimes they beat me and sometimes it’s close but it’s huge for me to try and be a role model here. Above all, I’m proud to be here to be part of this team. I love Red Mountain Resort and I’d definitely come back.”

On the men’s side, the Read brothers went one and two with older brother Erik Read finishing in first place and Jeffrey Read finishing 1.64 seconds back in second place. Rounding out the men’s slalom national podium was Jack (James) Crawford. It marked the third national title of Erik’s career.

“We’ve had all sorts of weather in Rossland and today we had some snow thrown at us,” said Erik. “Trevor [Philp] threw down a great first run so I knew I had to have a great second run to catch him. Unfortunately, he went out but I’m really happy to be National Champ. I think the National Championships are really important in Canada so I’m super happy to have the title today. It’s really great to be racing with some of the younger guys who are bringing new and great energy into ski racing.”

“Racing Erik [Read] here is like the good old days chasing him down the track,” said Jeffery Read. “It was great to have him as a pace-setter. It’s always nicer when I beat him, but I couldn’t catch him today!”

In giant slalom, Valerie Grenier defended her national title for the second year in a row, winning by 0.10. Grenier made up time on her second run after sitting in fourth-place after her first run. Grenier won the second run by 0.44 seconds.

“I’m happy I could make up time today and it was a nice surprise to be on the podium!” said Grenier.

Candace Crawford and Mielzynski joined Grenier on the podium in second and third, making it the second podium in as many days for both Crawford and Mielzynski.

On the final day of racing, Trevor Philp was able to pick up the giant slalom title for the third year in a row and for the fourth time in his career. Philp was sitting in second-place after the first run, but was able to put the hammer down on the second run to win the race by 0.57 seconds.

“It was a great day of racing out, despite some variable snow conditions,” said Philp. “There were some hard sections and some soft sections. The second run was really turny so I just tried to keep the speed going from turn to turn. I’m happy with the end result here today.”

Joining Philp on the podium was Morgan Megarry in second place and Adam Barwood of New Zealand in third place.

Complete results are available here.

Release courtesy of Alpine Canada