GMC Cup Update #2: Alboiu Claims Silver, Gigic Bronze in GS to lead AST

 

LAKE LOUISE – Ford Swette of North Vancouver and Jocelyn Ramsden of Whistler, B.C.,produced second decisive giant slalom victories on Sunday on the GMC Cup alpine skiing circuit.

In the men’s GS, Swette took the gold in one minute and 57.46 seconds with Hansi Schwaiger of Germany second in 1:58.47 and Filip Gigic of Calgary third in1:58.48.

‘’I felt I skied a lot better today,’’ said Swette. ‘’I’ve been racing so much this season that I haven’t had time to get some good on snow training. But I’m getting more and more use to the hills now and I’m handling the conditions much better.’’

Gigic couldn’t capitalize on a strong first run on Saturday but didn’t repeat his mistake on Sunday.

‘’I only wanted to get on that podium,’’ said Gigic. ‘’I got ahead of myself yesterday. I have to approach each run as if it is a complete race.’’

In the women’s GS, Ramsden prevailed once again in 2:02.30. Vanessa Alboiu of Calgary, the leader after the first run, followed at 2:03.13 and Jenna McIntyre of Calgary was third in 2:03.87.

‘’My second run was a lot better,’’ said Ramsden, who appears back on track after a tough start to the 2010-11 season. ‘’I was more aggressive at the start and went in with the attitude I had nothing to lose. I’m really excited about posting these results.’’

Alboiu tried to take advantage of a smoother course.

‘’The course was less bumpy today and there was really a good opportunity to go out there and challenge it,’’ she said. ‘’Unfortunately I made a mistake in the second run which cost me.’’

McIntyre improved on her eighth place from Saturday. She is coming back from knee surgery in the off-season.

‘’I improved my line on both runs today,’’ said McIntyre. ‘’I went for it. It’s been a really good season for me so far and I’m not feeling pain anymore. I don’t think about the knee when I’m skiing.’’

Competition continues through to Tuesday.

The Coupe GMC Cup series provides amateur skiers with essential competitive experience on the road to World Cup and Olympic success.

Several current members of Canada's Alpine Ski Team are also GMC Cup alumni including Michael Janyk (Whistler, BC) (2004) and Erin Mielzynski (Guelph, ON)(2008).

The Coupe GMC Cup race series was won last season by Kelby Halbert of the Toronto Ski Club (Bradford, ON) and Mont Tremblant’s Victoria Stevens (Ottawa,ON).

Sunday’s leading giant slalom results at a GMC Cup alpine skiing competition at Lake Louise,Alta.

Men: 1.Ford Swette, North Vancouver, 1:57.46; 2. Hansi Schwaiger, Germany, 1:58.47; 3.Filip Gigic, Calgary, 1:58.48; 4. Brandon Sutton, Thornbury, Ont., 1:58.74; 5.Adam Gores, Freelton, Ont., 1:59.22; 6. Broderick Thompson, Whistler, B.C.,1:59.26; 7. David Law, Banff, Alta., 1:59.50; 8. Jayden Starnino, Calgary,2:00.19; 9. Taylor Dawson, Alberta, 2:00.45; 10. Roger Carrie, Fernie, B.C.,2:00.19.

Women :1. Jocelyn Ramsden, Whistler, B.C., 2:02.30; 2. Vanessa Alboiu, Calgary,2:03.13; 3. Jenna McIntyre, Calgary, 2:03.87; 4. Logan Thackray, Banff, Alta.,2:04.10; 5. Victoria Michalik, Banff, 2:04.87; 6. Rebecca Bermel, Kimberley,B.C., 2:05.63; 7. Megan Henkelman, Banff, 2:05.72; 8. Djoeke Hoedemaker,Australia, 2:05.75; 9. Nicole Poleschuk, Calgary, 2:06.08; 10. Emma King,Whistler, B.C., 1:02.50.

Lake Louise, AB (January 9, 2011) - In a race won by Jocelyn Ramsden (WHIST), Vanessa Alboiu (NATC) captured her second consecutive silver medal in as many days to lead the AST. Jenna McIntyre (LKLSE) grabbed the bronze.

On the men's side, Ford Swette (WHIST) took top spot; Hansi Schwaiger (GER) claimed silver, while Filip Gigic (NATC/AST) snagged the bronze.

Link - mens unofficial results

Link - ladies unofficial results

Lake Louise, AB (January 8, 2011) - Vanessa Alboiu (NATC) and Michael Law (BANFF), both of the Raymond James Alberta Ski Team, captured silver medals in the opening GMC Cup at Lake Louise.

Action resumes tomorrow with another GS for both genders.

Link - Official Results