King, Fry win Kimberley Keurig Cup downhill; Martin, Alexander best U18’s

KEURIG Cup – Downhill
Kimberley Ski Resort, Kimberley Ski Club
March 4th, 2014

With the speed camp and training runs behind them, racers took to the track Tuesday in Kimberley to put their preparation to the test in the first of two downhill races. BC Ski Team's Emma King of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club took top prize in one minute, 12.75 seconds.

"With approximately 16 runs on this track from the speed camp, I was feeling pretty confident going into today's race", said King. "I had the same plan, in regards to line, as in the training runs, so I knew I could execute it. I fought the whole way down, due to increased speed and rougher conditions. It turned out well, and I'm hoping to improve on the track even more for tomorrow."

Joining King on the podium were Rebecca Bermel of the Windermere Valley Ski Club in 1:12.90, and Mikayla Martin of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club in 1:13.37. BC Team's Charley Field, also of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, finished just off the podium in 4th position. Congratulations to Alix Wells (BC Team/Prince George Ski Club), who is coming back from injuries and competed in her first FIS downhill race today, finishing 8th overall!

"Two weeks ago Emma finished 9th in a Nor-Am downhill in Québec, and she has obviously carried that momentum here to Kimberley", said JP Daigneault, Women's BC Team coach. "It was also great to see Rebecca Bermel punch a good one in there today for 2nd place. She's been looking quite comfortable on this track all week. Finally, new-comer, Mikayla Martin, who came into 3rd place overall, also deserves a pat on the back for her outstanding performance.  All three of these girls dealt with a much faster course than the one they ran the previous two days during the training runs, and they adjusted their approach and their line accordingly. It sounds simple but it's tough to do. Well done all-around!"

In the men's competition Steven Fry of the Windermere Valley Ski Club, and winner of 2 of the 3 training runs, was consistent on race day to take the gold in 1:10.11. Two Whistler Mountain Ski Club athletes, Cameron Alexander and Jack Crawford rounded out the podium finishing 2nd (1:10.99) and 3rd (1:11.24) respectively.

"We had a lot of runs on the track during the speed camp, so I had plenty of time to figure out my skiing", said Fry. "By the time the training runs came, all I had to figure out was my line; where I wanted to be on the track. The course did get faster on race day and I was charging because I had Jack [Crawford] in the back of my mind. I wanted to beat him. I’m happy with my result and looking forward to repeating good performances in super-G and slalom."

"Steven skied incredibly solid on a day when conditions were very tough and fast", said Mike Lewis, Fry's coach. "His strength and fitness came to the forefront, which helped him have an excellent run."
 

Ladies Results:

Men's Results: