Erik Guay will return to the World Cup in Lake Louise

CALGARY, Alberta – It’s been six years since a Canadian has stood on the top of the Lake Louise Alpine Ski World Cup podium. Manny Osborne-Paradis was the last Canadian to claim first place at “The Lake” in 2009, winning the super G by 0.24 seconds over the now retired Benni Raich. Last year Osborne-Paradis missed first place by 0.14 seconds in the men’s downhill, finishing second overall. Other Canadian Cowboys have had their turn on the podium, including Jan Hudec claiming first in 2007 and John Kucera taking first in 2006 and second in 2008.

Erik Guay, one of Canada’s most esteemed speed skiers, is returning to Lake Louise after a year off snow due to injury. His last podium finish at Lake Louise was in 2003 where he placed second in the downhill. After a full season off snow, Guay is looking forward to the speed opener in Lake Louise, hoping to take advantage of a return on home turf.

“I’m really looking forward to being back on snow and excited to get into the start gate for the Lake Louise races,” said Guay. “I’ve used the last year off-snow to focus on injury recovery and have been really successful at training camps leading up to the season. It’s always a great experience to race in front of Canadian fans and to be on home soil at Lake Louise.” 

On Nov. 28 and 29 and from Dec. 4-6 the fastest skiers in the world descend upon Lake Louise for the only Canadian stop on the World Cup circuit. The athletes will compete in the downhill and super G disciplines with the men opening the events during the final week of November, followed by the ladies’ events in the beginning of December. 

Canadian Ski Team alumni Emily Brydon, Kelly Vanderbeek and Britt Janyk all cracked podium finishes on the Lake Louise track but a first-place finish still remains the elusive trophy for the Canadian women. The 19-year-old national team rookie Valérie Grenier and independent World Cup veteran Larisa Yurkiw will be the only Canadians competing in the downhill and super G events.

“I’m really looking forward to both events. Last year I just missed out on a top-30 finish so this year I’ll be giving it my all, hoping to crack into that bracket,” said Grenier. “I feel ready after a great summer of working out in the gym and awesome on-snow training.”

Release courtesy of Alpine Canada