ALPINE:

Vernon's Dueck nails podium in IPC World Cup GS

Jan. 10, 2011 — Alpine Canada  

ARTA TERME, Italy — It was a rainy day in Italy on Sunday as Josh Dueck of Vernon, B.C., finished second in the IPC World Cup giant slalom race. The result was Dueck's first podium in a giant slalom event.

His career-best result in a World Cup giant slalom race is a 10th place in Roll Rinn, Austria, last season. Dueck crossed the finish line with a time of 2 minutes, 39.27 seconds.

The Vernon skier, who competes in the men's sitting category, has had success in downhill and slalom in recent years. He was crowned IPC world champion in downhill in 2009 and won a silver medal in the slalom event at the Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games.

"I'm a little bit surprised about today's result. I knew that my giant slalom skills had improved over the summer, but at the same time at the beginning of the World Cup season I didn't expect to be on the podium. I was more aiming for a couple of top-five finishes," said Dueck.

"With my fourth place Friday I knew I had it in me to be on the podium, especially after my second run that day," added Dueck, who had the fastest second run in Friday's giant slalom event.

Sunday's event was scheduled to take place Saturday but because of Mother Nature's failure to co-operate, the second run was postponed until this morning.

"It was tough. The weather was really bad and separating the race like they did demanded a lot of mental toughness. We had a three-hour delay today because of the fog. It was crazy, I was in the start gate and the starter began the countdown and as I started pushing my way through the gate he said, 'Start-stop,' — the fog was too heavy. I had to wait for another hour before I could race," said Dueck, noting that his one-hour delay made him even more pumped and anxious to step out.

Chris Williamson, along with guide Robin Fémy, again finished on the podium, in second place. Jon Santacana from Spain was the fastest skier in the men's visually impaired category.

Canada scored its third podium Sunday as Karolina Wisniewska finished third in the women's standing category. Marie Bochet from France was the fastest racer and Germany's Andrea Ruthfuss finished second.

In the men's standing category, Kirk Schornstein finished in 10th place. Morgan Perrin and Matt Hallat were not able to finish the race.The nation's best alpine skiers are teaming up with the Canadian Forces to show their support for Canada's troops.

Starting this weekend at World Cup races at Wengen, Switzerland, the men's Canadian Alpine Ski Team will wear 'Support Our Troops' yellow ribbon decals on their helmets as they try to earn a spot on the podium.

"Sometimes I feel a little bit funny being called a hero when you know people are out there putting their lives on the line," said men's ski team veteran Jan Hudec, who will be wearing a decal on his helmet in Wengen when he competes in Saturday's downhill race.

"Downhill skiing is a dangerous sport, but the men and women serving in the Canadian Forces do a very selfless job that's extremely high risk. I will be very proud to wear the yellow ribbon and hope the valuable work done by the Forces will be acknowledged by all Canadians."

Known for its yellow ribbon logo, the Support Our Troops initiative provides morale and welfare programs, activities and services to enhance the quality of life of those men and women who serve in the Canadian Forces.

"I would like to thank Alpine Canada Alpin for their support to the Canadian Forces," said General Walt Natynczyk, Canadian Forces Chief of the Defence Staff. "This gesture is very much appreciated by our men and women in uniform and their families."

The men's ski team will wear the yellow ribbon on their helmets this weekend, with other Alpine Canada teams following in the coming weeks.

"The troops serving the Canadian Forces embody so many of the values Alpine Canada Alpin and our athletes aspire to represent, including teamwork, pride, passion and perseverance," said Alpine Canada  president Max Gartner. "We are honoured to be able to support Canada's troops in this way and we will wear the yellow ribbon with pride."

The idea of Canada's ski teams wearing the yellow ribbon was first proposed by  Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Justin Fogarty, of Ottawa's 33 Signals Regiment, who is a member of Alpine Canada's board. It is being adopted by the men's team on a voluntary basis.

"Canadian skiers are heroes for a lot of the men and women in the Forces and the Forces are heroes for a lot of the skiers," said Fogarty. "They share the same passion for their country."

"This Government is proud of the yellow ribbon initiative by Alpine Canada Alpin. Displaying the Support Our Troops yellow ribbon is a heartfelt demonstration of support for the Canadian Forces that is greatly appreciated by the men and women in uniform, and their families," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence.

"Alpine Canada Alpin continues its success in the pursuit of excellence, and we are pleased to be a partner." S-Magazine