ALPINE:

Canadian dozen set for Levi slalom challenge

Nov. 12, 2010 ― Alpine Canada 

LEVI, Finland ― Michael Janyk leads a group of 12 Canadian ski racers entering the FIS World Cup slaloms in Levi this weekend, as the world's best technical ski racers head 170 km north of the Arctic Circle, the farthest north they travel all season.

Janyk, a medallist in the 2009 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships slalom who finished ninth in the overall World Cup slalom standings last season, opens the World Cup on Sunday alongside Julien Cousineau, Brad Spence, Trevor White, Patrick Biggs, Ryan Semple and Paul Stutz (Calgary, AB).

"I always have a feeling that I want summer to stay because it always doesn't feel long enough for us, but as soon as the snow starts to fly I want to race," said veteran Janyk. "After six years of looking forward to the Vancouver Games and having them come and go, I have a new sense of drive for this new season and my focus is restrengthened by what my teammate Erik [Guay] did by winning the globe. So I want to start racing to go after that goal."

"Physically I would say I'm as strong as I've always been, in good shape and the body feels great, but mentally I feel way more prepared than other years because of the work I've done in the off eason," added Janyk. "My objective for Levi is simple ― I want to win! Every time I step out on my skis my goal is to win."

On the women's side, Marie-Michèle Gagnon, who finished 13th in the giant slalom at Sölden last month, will be joined by Erin Mielzynski, Brittany Phelan and Eve Routhier in Saturday's slalom on the injected Levi Black piste.

The fifth woman to take part in Saturday's slalom race will be Anna Goodman, who is returning to the World Cup for the first time since her right knee surgery in March.

For live streaming of the race, follow the link: www.myp2p.eu. Live timing will be available at www.fis-ski.com, the official website of the International Ski Federation.

"We have had a good preparation period for this first World Cup slalom race, arriving here in Levi on Tuesday. All five girls have been skiing well and it's great to see Anna back so quickly after surgery. That's provided the entire team with a real emotional boost," said women's team head coach Hugues Ansermoz. "Being the World Cup slalom opener, this race is important for us, giving us a sense of where we stand and what we need to work on over the next weeks."

FIS indicated earlier this week that snow conditions in Levi were very good. At the time of measurement, there was more the half-meter of snow all over the race slope. The Race Organizing Committee is expecting more than the 20 000 spectators throughout the weekend in Levi, which is known for limited amounts of sun at this time of year.

It's also worth noting that some members of Canada's alpine ski team are turning heads in Levi related to a certain fashion statement being made. Several members of the men's team are sporting thick moustaches, supporting a worldwide campaign known as "Movember" that raises awareness for prostate cancer research each year through the month of November. White said they hope to raise $5000 by the end of the month.

As for upcoming alpine ski racing in Canada, snow control for the Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart is scheduled for next week with men's training getting under way on Nov. 24. The opening race, a men's downhill, takes place Nov. 27.  S-Magazine