Whistler Cup elite kinder series kicks off

WHISTLER, Canada – Kyle Alexander of Whistler and Samantha Boughner of Toronto were third-place finishers in Friday’s super G to open the Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup alpine skiing competition.

Over 400 athletes from 25 countries are entered at the renowned international youth ski race, which is a favorite stop on the competition calendar. The Canadian team is comprised of nine men and nine women from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. Canada took the Nations Cup crown in 2013.

In the men’s super G held under ideal but warm conditions, Mikkel Solbbaken led Norway to a 1-2 finish in 1:07.96. Markus Fossland followed in 1:10.02 and Kyle Alexander of Whistler snared the bronze in 1:10.32.

“It was a difficult course with many turns,’’ said the 15-year-old winner Solbbaken, competing for the first time overseas. “I was happy to do so well.’’

Alexander had bib 44 but said he felt comfortable on his home hill.

“I knew the course really well so I was pleased to make it into the medals,’’ said Alexander. “It was a pretty bumpy ride skiing so late and I was a bit surprised I got on the podium.”

Griffen Copp of Oakville, Ont., who placed fourth, was hoping to be closer to the winner.

“With a margin like that, there’s definitely room for improvement,’’ said the 15-year-old who won the super G at the Can-Am Championships this winter. “I competed here last year so I knew the course was going to be fast.’’

Fifth-place finisher Jamie Casselman of Cranbrook, B.C., found trouble at the bottom half of the course.

“I skied great at the top of the hill,’’ he said. ” I timed the pitch pretty late and you can’t do that when you attain these speeds.’’

In the women’s super G, Emma Aaseboe made it a golden sweep for Norway clocking first in 1:12.94. Maddison Hoffman of Australia was second in 1:13.07 and Boughner, with bib 32, followed in third at 1:13.08.

“That was one of the biggest mountains I’ve ever raced on,’’ said Boughner. “It was pretty scary but I held a clean edge.”

Competition continues through Sunday.

Release courtesy of Whistler Cup