Calgary, AB. (November 30, 2024) — In her first race in 10 months, Valérie Grenier (St. Isidore, ON) finished ninth today at the FIS Ski World Cup women’s giant slalom in Killington, Vermont. Grenier’s result today comes after months of rehab following a fall at a super-G race at Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA) in January that required knee and shoulder surgery.
In front of a loud and energetic crowd hoping to see Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) win her 100th World Cup
(Shiffrin did not finish her second run), Grenier was the first racer out on a course made hard and fast from strong winds. Grenier stood 12th after her first run before moving into the top 10 with her second run. This is Grenier’s 19th World Cup top 10, and her second top 10 in Killington after finishing fifth here last season.
“It felt so good being back racing today!” said a smiling Grenier. “It was awesome to hear the crowd and to feel the support from the amazing fans. First run conditions were a little challenging and I felt a little behind, especially at the top, but it was my first race in a while, and I needed to get the nerves out. I felt more like myself in the second run and I liked that I was pushing and going for it because that the way that I want to race.”
“Today was the first time I ever started first in a World Cup race. I was a little nervous about it being my first race back, but I tried to enjoy it as much as I could. I told myself that a top 10 in my first race back would be a success and here I am ninth. I am very happy with the result and hope to move up from here.”
Britt Richardson (Canmore, AB) also scored World Cup points today finishing 27th for her second top 30 in the two GS races this season.
Three Canadian women did not qualify for the second run, Cassidy Gray (Panorama, BC) was 31st in her first run, missing out by .02 of a second, Justine Lamontagne ((St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC) did not finish her first run and Sarah Bennett (Stoneham, QC) was 50th in the first run.
Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)
Women race slalom at Killington, USA, tomorrow Sunday December 1
Alpine men race in Beaver Creek, CO, USA, December 6 through 8
Para-alpine World Cup season starts December 10 in Steinbach Am Brunner (AUT).
Ski cross have their first World Cup race of the season December 12 in Val Thorens (FRA)
Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and
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Alpine Canada
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Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community.