There must be something in the pasta.
For the second time in as many years Nanaimo’s Allison Forsyth has won World Cup silver in the giant slalom at Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy. A day earlier, Melanie Turgeon of Beauport, Quebec, won silver in the super-G, her third podium appearance in a week.
"I felt I had a really strong run but I know I still have a little bit more in me," said Turgeon, who finished 0.25 seconds back of Regine Cavagnoud of France. "I didn’t push it as much as I could have but it was a strong run, and I can build my confidence around that."
In recent weeks a real rivalry has built between Turgeon, Cavagnoud and Renate Goetschl of Austria that may not be such a bad thing for the 23 year old. "Today is basically the same people in the front, just different places. It’s kind of nice to be a part of this group, the elite group. I now feel that at every race I can win or be on the podium.
"It’s very good to be in between these girls, coming from where I was at the beginning of the season to be here right now. I made a big step, a big improvement."
Fernie’s Emily Brydon was on pace for gold in the same race, leading after the first and second intervals, when she lost her pole and went off course.
With her silver medal performance, Turgeon jumped to fourth in the overall World Cup super-G standings, behind Cavagnoud, Michaela Dorfmeister of Austria, and Goetschl.
Forsyth’s own silver medal performance on the following day was nothing short of spectacular. She was tenth out of the gate and after a blistering first run was in second place. She followed up with another solid run to hang on to second spot, hot on the heels of Sonja Nef, the World Cup GS points leader. Michaela Dorfmeister of Austria finished third.
"Finally, I’m back as one of the fastest, things came together for me today," said Forsyth. "This is the best GS of the year because it’s a really challenging course for everybody. It’s a true GS so I’m really happy to be on the podium.
"As a team we are really coming together. We are young too – I’m one of the oldest girls on the team and I’m only 22. We have a really talented generation of skiers coming up to the World Cup."
Forsyth credits the success to a strong team spirit that keeps the athletes training together year round. "And above all we are really having a good time and the atmosphere is productive."
The Canadian women are currently in St. Anton, Austria for the World Championships, which begin on Jan. 29.
