Canada’s Para alpine skiers delivered three bronze medals on the second day of racing at the FIS World Cup finals in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.
Alexis Guimond of Gatineau, Que., placed third in the men’s standing giant slalom event, clocking a time of one minute 54.26 seconds. Arthur Bauchet (1:51.72) and Jules Seger (1:53.55) made it a 1-2 finish for France.
The 25-year-old Guimond, who won bronze in the discipline at the last two Paralympics, also finished third on Thursday in the opening giant slalom race in Veysonnaz.
He has five medals in six World Cup races this season, with a chance to add another Saturday.
“Feels good to be back on the podium again,” Guimond said in a release. “The skiing is there and great to have consistency. It truly builds confidence. Definitely felt like today was a possible victory, but mistakes happen and looking forward to chase the top of the podium tomorrow.”
Kimberley, B.C.’s Kalle Ericsson, competing with guide Sierra Smith of Ottawa, bounced back from Thursday’s crash to take bronze in the men’s vision impaired giant slalom — finishing just 1.6 seconds away from the gold medal with a time of 1:54.94.
“Coming off yesterday’s crash, it feels great to be back on the podium today,” Smith said. “Today’s result will give us a boost of confidence and help us go into tomorrow charging.”
Ericsson and Smith now have seven podium finishes this season.
Italy’s Giacomo Bertagnolli and Andrea Ravelli (1:53.34) won the race ahead of Austria’s Johannes Aigner and Nico Haberl, who were just 0.02 seconds faster than the Canadians.
“Definitely looking forward to another race tomorrow,” Ericsson said. “Missing second place by so little is tough but just goes to show that we need to be on our A game for tomorrow.”
West Vancouver, B.C., native Mollie Jepsen, 25, took home bronze in the women’s standing giant slalom in a time of 2:08.47.
The six-time Paralympic medallist was competing in just her second race since coming back from injuries that started at the Beijing Games in 2022.
“The last three years, two of which being out with my knee and my elbow, have been super challenging so I am trying to be kind to myself, dust off the cobwebs, and gain confidence with every start,” Jepsen said. “I’ve been trying hard not to focus on results, but on my skiing and my tactical approach.
“Today was a huge accomplishment and shows me I’ve been taking the right steps to get back to the top of the podium. Stoked to continue to build on today’s momentum.”
Sweden’s Ebba Aarsjoe (1:58.79) was the lone skier to go under two minutes, while France’s Aurelie Richard finished ahead of Jepsen for silver in 2:05.96.
Collingwood, Ont., native Michaela Gosselin (2:10.00) placed seventh.
Saturday’s giant slalom events will be followed by slalom races on Monday and Tuesday.
