Canadian skiers grab 3 podium spots at para alpine World Cup
Mac Marcoux, Kurt Oatway race to gold medals
The Canadian para alpine ski team had a spectacular performance at the first World Cup speed series event Wednesday, grabbing three podiums spots in Tignes, France.
It's the first time since 2002 that Canada has secured a podium in all three categories on the men's side — sitting, standing and visually impaired.
Mac Marcoux, a world champion from Sault-Ste. Marie, Ont., won in the visually impaired category along with guide and brother BJ Marcoux. It was the first gold medal for the Marcoux brothers since they captured the title at the 2015 world championships.
"I'm so stoked to finish on a good note and end the DNF streak," said Mac Marcoux of his finish. "Can't wait for the rest of the week racing speed."
Calgary sit-skier, Kurt Oatway captured his first World Cup speed victory and reached the podium for the second time this season.
"It feels good to land on the podium again," said Oatway. "Training has been going well and help from expert coaches and a skilled technician has helped me make some huge gains this season. I'm feeling good going into tomorrow."
Braydon Luscombe, of Duncan, B.C., rounded out Canada's stellar day with a third-place finish in the standing category.
"Everything fell into place for this run." said Luscombe, who also reached his first-ever World Cup podium. "I'm looking forward to our second downhill tomorrow as there are still sections I can clean up."