Bad weather can't stop Canadian slopestyle skiers from hitting World Cup podium
Final results determined by qualifying run
Canadian freestyle skiers Alex Bellemare and Anouk Purnelle-Faniel each landed bronze in the World Cup slopestyle event in Font Romeu, France, which was scheduled for Saturday.
Due to inclement weather, the final results were based on the qualification run, which took place on Thursday for the men's event and earlier on Saturday for the women's event before the decision to cancel the final.
Congratulations to Alex Bellemare and <a href="https://twitter.com/anoukpurnelle">@anoukpurnelle</a> for their 3rd place finish <a href="https://twitter.com/FISfreestyle">@FISfreestyle</a> SS event in Font Romeu. <a href="https://t.co/bKtYYxTfrt">pic.twitter.com/bKtYYxTfrt</a>
—@canfreestyleski"I skied my qualifications anticipating that they counted as my final runs. On the flipside, we know that the FIS typically pushes for the events to move forward. I wasn't too surprised, and I think that [gave me an advantage],'' said Bellemare.
Frances' Tess Ledeux won the women's event with a score of 81.60, Johanne Killi of Norway was second with 80, while Purnelle-Faniel of Lac-Beauport, Que., who made her return to competition following a year and a half of rehabilitation, posted a score of 78.40.
''We really didn't get much time to practice, and it was my first competition since my injury. It had been a year and a half since I last competed. Due to conditions, I didn't execute the run I was hoping for, but I'm happy to have landed on my feet with one run,'' said Purnelle-Faniel.
On the men's side, McRae Williams of the U.S. finished at the top of the podium with 92.80 points, Sweden's Jesper Tjader's score of 91.40 was good for second place, with Bellemare of St-Boniface, Que., tallying 90.60.