ALPINE:

Alexander, Irwin post runner-up finishes in GMC Cup tech races

Feb. 28, 2011 — Alpine Canada  

ROSSLAND, B.C. ― An overnight snowfall slowed the course but not Calgary's Sean Alexander as he won a second straight silver medal Sunday in the men's giaint slalom at the GMC Cup alpine skiing competition.

Michael Bansmer of the U.S., collected a second consecutive gold, clocking a two-run time of 1 minute, 52.72 seconds. Alexander, second in Saturday's slalom, followed in 1:54.26, while Scott Snow of the U.S. was third in 1:54.96.

Entering the competition, Alexander had not completed a first or second run in his previous seven slaloms. He hopes he's started a new streak here with two straight medals.

"I was probably a bit too tentative on the first run and that put me too far behind," said Alexander, 21, fourth after the first run. "But it was cool to get a second run again. I went all out and unfortunately I made a few mistakes.”

In the women's slalom, Vanessa Berther of the U.S., took gold for a second straight day, clocking 1:40.89. Stephanie Irwin of Calgary followed in 1:41.27 and Tianda Carroll of Edmonton was third in 1:41.53. It was a first medal this weekend for both Canadians.

"I feel it wasn't as good as it could be," said Irwin, 20, who spent two weeks last month competing in Europe. "On the second run I tried to be as fast as possible on the flats at the bottom. I'm skiing well this season but I wish that would be more reflective in the results."

Carroll meanwhile has shown consistency in finishing her two runs this season in the technical events.  It paid off with a medal Sunday.

"It's terrific news for me to get on the podium today," said the 17-year-old.  "I've had a bit of an up and down season results-wise but I was pretty happy to come through with a solid performance today."

Sunday's leading results at the GMC Cup stop at Red Mountain
Men's giant slalom: 1. Michael Bansmer, U.S., 1:52.72; 2. Sean Alexander Calgary, 1:54.26; 3. Scott Snow, U.S., 1:54.96; 4. Sasha Zaitsoff, Balfour, B.C., 1:55.35; 5. Hansi Schwaiger, Germany, 1:55.38; 6. Cody Pedersen, Banff, Alta., 1:56.52; 7. Filip Gigic, Calgary, 1:56.54; 8. Brandon Sutton, Thornbury, Ont., 1:56.59; 9. Bryan Cookson, Vernon, B.C., 1:56.73; 10. David Law, Cochrane, Alta., 1:56.92.

Women's slalom: Vanessa Berther, U.S., 1:40.89; 2. Stephanie Irwin, Calgary, 1:41.27; 3. Tianda Carroll, Edmonton, 1:41.53; 4. Sarah Elliot, Oyama, B.C., 1:42.58; 5. Sarah Freeman, Fernie, B.C., 1:44.15; 6. Victoria Michalik, Banff, Alta., 1:44.17; 7. Tess Davies, Canmore, Alta., 1:45.14; 8. Yina Moe-Lange, Denmark, 1:45.54; 9. Celine Rytz, Fernie, B.C., 1:45.79; 10. Alix Petit, Vernon, B.C., 1 :47.77.