Canada dominated the world cup ski cross scene again last weekend in Val Thorens, France, as Chris Del Bosco won his second gold medal in a row and several Bow Valley athletes continued to push for the podium.
Banff’s Louise Pierre-Helie was 10th on Friday (Dec. 11) after two very strong heats. He had the fifth fastest time in the qualifiers, so he knows he’s skiing fast right now.
“I started with a win on the first heat, leading the whole way down. The second heat was good. I was in second place until the bottom, where I made a tactical mistake. The third guy passed me on the second last jump. I almost got him back at the finish, but I ran out of room,” Helie said.
Canmore’s Kris Mahler was 47th. This is his first year on the world cup circuit.
Ski cross is a tough adjustment for many skiers, and Helie believes he’s finally feeling more comfortable with the sport after spending most of his career in downhill.
Motivated by team stars Del Bosco, Brady Leman and Marielle Thompson, he believes it won’t be long until he lands on the podium himself.
“The team is doing really well. It’s really cool to have guys on the podium two races in a row. So far, for me, I feel way closer this year to be able to reach the podium. I think I have a good chance this year. The next race in Italy is one of my favourites, so I’m excited to go there,” Helie said.
Del Bosco won bronze on Saturday’s race in Val Thorens to keep the overall crystal globe lead, while Leman was sixth. In the women’s race, Thompson won the small final to take fifth, while teammate Kelsey Serwa was sixth.
Helie had a step back on Saturday and finished 36th, while Mahler was 50th.
The team will race in Innichen, Italy this weekend in the last world cup before the Christmas break.
