Freestylers and alpine skiers weren’t the only Canadians winning World Cup medals over the weekend – at a triple crown in Krontplatz, Italy, Canadians brought home gold in snowboardercross (SBX) and halfpipe events.
Quebec’s Jasey Jay Anderson got the hat trick on Jan. 19, winning his third World Cup SBX in a row.
"There is a good complement for both alpine and freestyle (board setups) on this course," said Anderson. "It was good for alpine for sure but right off that first jump I went so far, so flat every time, I was lucky that I haven’t blown my shins apart.
"That was definitely an advantage for soft booters, but I worked the hell out of it and just let it go."
France’s Guillaume Sachot finished second, followed by Australia’s Zeke Steggall and Seth Wescott of the U.S.
On the same day, Whistler’s Maëlle Ricker burned the competition race after race to take the women’s World Cup in soft boots. It was only Ricker’s second World Cup SBX since she dominated in Whistler in 1999.
"It feels great, and it’s a really sweet victory because two years ago I blew out my knee here so I had revenge today," says Ricker. "I was pretty nervous for that reason but I’m glad I worked it out, especially because it wasn’t really my style of course.
"I like big air so it’s a shame that they cut the jump after the start, but it still was a lot of fun."
Ricker bested German racer Sandra Farmand of Germany and Marie Laissus of France. Farmand was so close to Ricker in the final competition that the judges had to check the video to see who got their board over the line first.
Ricker also had a great showing in the halfpipe, winding up fifth. Natasza Zurek of Vancouver was the top Canadian, finishing second behind Tricia Byrnes of the U.S. Kelly Clark, also of the U.S., finished third.
In the men’s competition, Brett Carpentier was the only Canadian who managed to crack the top 10, finishing eight overall.
Canadian racers also failed to crack the top 10 in the parallel giant slalom competition.
The Canadian team is in Madonna di Campiglio for the World Championships this week.
