Emily Brydon, of Fernie, was 12th as training for ladies Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart DH gets underway. Austrian Maria Holaus had the fastest time in today’s training on a sun-soaked day at Lake Louise Ski Area prior to Friday’s ladies Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart downhill. Holaus finished in a time of one minute 54.16 seconds while Emily Brydon (Fernie, BC) led the Canadians, crossing the finish line in 12th spot in 1:55.85.
Brydon said she felt fresh for today’s training and this weekend’s races, thanks to some time off earlier this month.
“I took four days off before coming here and I just really relaxed and really though about what I needed to do to have a good season. You have to have fun. if there is no smile on your face, you won’t have good results,” said Brydon. “I feel great right now and I think our team is a little of anxious to get started and everyone is happy to be here.”
Defending Lake Louise DH champion Lindsay Vonn of the USA was 8th, although she let up well before the finish line. Britt Janyk (Whistler, BC) finished 20th in 1:56.42 with teammate Kelly VanderBeek (Kitchener, ON) finishing 25th.
“I always like the first training,” said Janyk. “Each year the races are a little bit different from each other and it’s a very competitive feeling.”
“I think what’s important is knowing that you are skiing your best. Every day I go out there I’m totally connected to the moment and skiing to my potential.
As for the other Canadians Georgia Simmerling (West Vancouver, BC) ended up 37th with Shona Rubens (Canmore, AB) 38th, Larisa Yurkiw (Owen Sound, ON) 41st and Victoria Whitney (Whistler, BC) 54th.
“Today the conditions were awesome, it’s an awesome track,” said Simmerling, who is preparing to compete in just the third World Cup event of her career. “I need to clean up my technique a little bit before Friday’s race. My expectations are to continue to improve each day.”
The second training run takes place Wednesday with the opening ladies World Cup downhill race of the season scheduled for Friday.
