CANADIANS TAKE 5 OF 6 X-GAMES SKIER CROSS MEDALS

Feb 1, 2010

Updated with Photos!
Aspen, CO – In their last event before the Olympics, Canada's powerhouse Men's and Women's Skier Cross team scored 5 of 6 medals at Winter X-Games 14! The Canadian Men swept the podium led by Chris Del Bosco in 1st, and Dave Duncan and Brady Leman in close pursuit in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Not far off were fellow Canadians Davey Barr in 5th and Stanley Hayer in 7th.

The Canadian women were almost as dominant with Asleigh McIvor scoring 2nd after leading most of the final race and Kelsey Serwa 3rd behind winner Ophelie David of France. Canadians Aleisha Cline and Danielle Poleschuk took 5th and 7th respectively. “You want to win, but Ophelie is the best in the
world,” McIvor said.  “Second is still
good with me.  She drafted me and
flew by. I was just glad it was only her.”       Above: Del Bosco leads fellow Canadians Duncan and Leman to a historic sweep
                                                                   of Men's Skier Cross X–Games medals! Photo: Christian Pondella/Shazamm/ESPN

“This has been one of my goals to win gold in the X Games", Del Bosco enthused. "The course is challenging and that is why we come here. X Games have really kept our sport alive; they treat us well and put on a great show."

"This is a great opportunity.” Brady Leman concurred saying: “There is a lot of respect for the riders here. The course is really challenging which is great. Everyone is really supportive and the race was really clean.”

All-Canadian Men's Skier Cross podium (left to right): Dave Duncan (2nd); Chris Del Bosco (1st); Brady Leman (3rd).
Photo: Christian Pondella/Shazamm/ESPN

Women's Skier Cross podium (left to right): Ashley McIvor (2nd); Ophelie David (1st); Kelsey Serwa (3rd).
Photo: Flip McCririck/Shazamm/ESPN

For the Canadians it was a truly impressive performance – 5 of the top 7 for Canadian men and 4 of the top 7 for Canadian women – which they hope will bode well for the upcoming Olympics! Del Bosco, Hayer and Duncan will represent Canada in the Men's Olympic Skier Cross event at Cypress Mountain on February 21. McIvor, Serwa, Poleschuk, and Julia Murray will represent Canada in the Women's Olympic Skier Cross on February 23.

France's Ophelie David leads Canada's Ashley McIvor and Kelsey Serwa over the final jump in the Women's medal race.
Photo: Christian Pondella/Shazamm/ESPN

"We came here to get some good training, so now we're looking forward to Vancouver," said Del Bosco. "At the Olympic test event last year at Cypress we swept the podium. We've been on the podium almost every race this year. We're closing in strong with top three here."

Chris Del Bosco – winner's circle. Photo: ESPN

Kelsey Serwa leads Ashley McIvor in their semi-final race. Photo: Flip McCririck/Shazamm/ESPN

Brady Leman leads the pack in his semi final race. Photo: Flip McCririck/Shazamm/ESPN

Dave Duncan leads his quarter final race. Photo: Flip McCririck/Shazamm/ESPN

American favourite Daron Rahlves (above left) fell hard in the Skier Cross quarterfinals injuring his right hip and raising
questions about his status for the Olympics. Photo: Christian Pondella/Shazamm/ESPN

X GAMES 2010 MEN'S SKIER CROSS RESULTS
1. Chris Del Bosco, Sudbury, ON CAN (Atomic, Oakley, Gabel)
2. Dave Duncan, Golden, BC, CAN (Atomic, Scott)
3. Brady Leman, Calgary, AB, CAN (Head, Uvex, Gabel)
4. Andreas Steffen, Gstaad, SUI
5. Davey Barr, Whistler, BC, CAN (Rossignol, Oakley, Giro, Gabel)
6. John Teller, Mammoth Lakes, CA USA
7. Stanley Hayer, Calgary, AB, CAN (Stockli, Atomic Boots, Uvex, Leki, Rover)

X GAMES 2010 WOMEN'S SKIER CROSS RESULTS
1. Ophelie David, Alpe D'Huez, FRA
2. Ashleigh McIvor, Whistler, BC, CAN (Stockli, Lange, Oakley, Giro, Gabel, Bell)
3. Kelsey Serwa, Kelowna, BC, CAN (Atomic, Alpina, Gabel)
4. Fanny Smith, Villars-Gryon, SUI
5. Aleisha Cline, Whistler, BC, CAN (Rossignol, Uvex, Gabel)
6. Marte Gjefsen, Lillehammer, NOR
7. Danielle Poleschuk, Calgary, AB, CAN (Rossignol, Uvex, Gabel)

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