The Nor-Am Cup season got underway Saturday in Loveland, Colorado with a talented international field of men battling a challenging GS track. For the five newly named BC Ski Team boys who made the trip to Colorado, it wasn't everything they hoped for. None qualified for a second run (top 60), but they have shaken off the 'first race of the season' nerves and are ready for another shot Sunday in the second giant slalom competition of the series.
Tyler Werry 3rd overall at Loveland Nor-Am GS season opener – 1st and 2nd are World Cup racers!!
Inspiration comes in many forms and today it was all about friend and teammate Tyler Werry of the Fernie Alpine Ski Team who has been training with the national development team. Werry skied the fasted second run of the day and finished in third place overall with a combined time of one minute, 46.65 seconds.
"I have been skiing well in training the last few days," said Werry. " I had a game plan coming into this race and I felt like I nailed it in the second run. This is an amazing result for me and I have high hopes going into tomorrow." Werry was the top Canadian, and top North American in the race and was followed by BC's Ford Swette of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club and the national prospect team, who took second place on the junior podium with a 13th place overall finish.
Ford Swette 2nd Junior at Loveland Nor-Am GS season opener
OTHER QUOTES:
Patrick Carry: "Today I definitely did not ski to my potential. I think it being the first race of the year ,and my first tech Nor-Am race, my nerves got the best of me. With that said, I gained confidence knowing I can ski much faster than I did and am looking forward to tomorrow."
Broderick Thompson: "Despite the tough conditions and my nerves running high in the first race of the season, I was feeling confident on my skis and feel ready for tomorrow. It was also awesome to see my former teammate Tyler Werry up on the podium with the big guns!"
Martin Grasic: "Tough day on the slopes personally, but very inspiring to see Tye do so well."
Brodie Seger: "It was a bit of a rough day for me; I just didn't ski as well as I have been lately. I was impressed with how well the snow held up for the later starts, and I feel ready to use that to my advantage and push hard tomorrow. It was super inspiring watching Tyler ski into 3rd place on the second run. He's been working hard for a result like that and we're all really excited for him. Now we just have to use that inspiration to fuel the flames tomorrow!"
Dominic Unterberger: "I wasn't too sure what to expect going into today and decided to simply focus on the process of my skiing. Despite being a bit nervous, I skied well. A few mistakes and an altercation with a panel on the flats cost me the chance to race a second run. After getting my nerves out of the way today and watching Tyler Werry crush it, I am excited to get after it tomorrow! "
Nick Cooper (men's coach): "Great to get the season started, very excited for Ty. Looking forward to another GS tomorrow.
COMPLETE OFFICIAL RESULTS HERE