After a rough weekend in the World Cup, the Canadian Alpine Ski Team redeemed itself in Nor Am competition at Park City.
Because of the events proximity to the World Cup events at Park City and Lake Louise, the event attracted an all-star international lineup of skiers.
In the mens giant slalom, Francois Bourque of New Richmond, Quebec, finished second, just 0.36 seconds back of the leader and 0.6 seconds ahead of six-time World Cup giant slalom winner Fredrik Nyberg of Sweden. Three other Canadians also managed to crack the top-10.
"Im happy. Of course I would have preferred it to happen in a World Cup but no matter, its a start," said Bourque.
"In the second run I didnt really make any mistakes. There were some guys here in the top-30, like Nyberg, who is among the 15 best in the world, so if I can beat him, its encouraging."
Brad Spence of Calgary, Thomas Grandi of Banff and Jean-Philippe Roy of Ste.-Flavie, Quebec finished seventh through ninth respectively. Ryan Semple of Ottawa was 11 th and Rosslands David Anderson was 16 th .
Dane Spencer of the U.S. took the gold medal and Nyberg claimed the bronze.
Although they didnt manage to put any skiers on the podium, Brigitte Acton of Sault Ste-Marie Ontario finished 12 th in a field that could rival a World Cup.
Sarah Schleper of the U.S. took the win, followed by Nicole Hosp and Christine Sponring of Austria.