ALPINE:

Stutz wins slalom, Cook claims Nor-Am overall title

March 18, 2010 — The Canadian Press     ►Photo: Home page, Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Agence-Zoom)

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WATERVILLE VALLEY, New Hampshire — Dustin Cook of Lac Sainte Marie, Que., described Thursday’s slalom, which played a key role in his clinching the men's overall Nor-Am Cup title, as one of the best of his life.

It was part of a big finish to the Nor-Am season for Canada, with Canadians racers taking an overall title, a slalom discipline title and winning both of the final Nor-Am races of the season.

"I had nearly the best slalom race of my life," said Cook, primarily a super-G and giant slalom skier who finished 13th in Thursday’s slalom, one of his best career results in the discipline.

"It was just enough, the perfect amount to win (the overall) by two. When I realized how it had all came together, it boggled my mind," said the 21-year-old Cook, adding that the support he has received in recent days from family and friends as he pursued the overall title gave him a boost.

Cook finishes the season with 763 Nor-Am points, allowing him to qualify for a World Cup spot in each discipline next season. American Will Brandenburg placed second with 761 points.

It was an equally big day for Paul Stutz, who won Thursday’s slalom in a two-run combined time of 1 minute, 45.81 seconds.

With the win, Stutz finishes second in the slalom standings with 366 points, qualifying him for a World Cup spot in the discipline next season.

"The conditions weren't great today, it was pretty warm, but I skied appropriately for the conditions and am really happy that I won the race," said Stutz. "I was certainly aware of what was on the line and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. Getting the World Cup spot was one of my goals for this season."

American Nolan Kasper took top spot in the slalom standings, finishing with 391 points.

On the women’s side, Eve Routhier was somewhat disappointed with her 12th-place finish, particularly as she was leading after the opening run. A mistake in the second run cost her some time and likely a podium or win but it was still enough to win the Nor-Am slalom title with 289 points.

"It feels great. Last year I was so close and didn't win so this year to be in first is great. It's a huge motivation for next season," said Routhier, who was in contention for the slalom title last season before finishing 30th in the season's final slalom race.

Development team member Erin Mielzynski finishes second in the slalom standings, picking up the other World Cup qualifying spot. Marie-Michèle Gagnon won Thursday’s slalom in a two-run combine time of 1:48.07. Laurenne Ross of the USA won the overall title with an impressive 1,205 points.  SRC