Canada's Britt Phelan returns to ski cross podium in France with silver in big final
30-year-old was coming off small final victory at World Cup season opener
Britt Phelan is 2-for-2 in podium finishes on the young ski cross World Cup season.
The Canadian freestyle skier grabbed a silver medal on Saturday in the big final at Val Thorens, France, two weeks after taking the small final at the season-opening event in Secret Garden, China.
Phelan, 30, is back on the circuit following a lengthy recovery after suffering a season-ending knee injury in February 2020 in Megève, France.
Sandra Naeslund of Sweden won Saturday's competition while Marielle Berger Sabbatel earned bronze in front of the home crowd after several weather-related delays this week.
"It was awesome. Super challenging weather and lots of holds or delays in every run, but I had solid qualifications and had a good plan and stuck to it all day," Phelan told Alpine Canada.
WATCH | Phelan holds off France's Berger Sabbatel for silver:
"I think I skied quite tactically well, technically well, and had a really, really good day. It feels so good to be back on the podium and we get to do it all again tomorrow [in Van Thorens]."
The Canadian women showed their dominance, claiming four of the top eight spots in the big and small final combined. Up-and-comer Hannah Schmidt skied a personal-best performance and crossed the finish line first in the small final for fifth place overall, followed by teammate Tiana Gairns racing to a sixth-place finish.
Courtney Hoffos of Windermere, B.C., was eighth in her return from a season-ending injury last year.
"It was great getting back into heats again and felt good and natural to do it right beside my teammates," she said.
Men's and women's ski cross action continues Sunday at 5:30 a.m. ET.
The team will then travel to Arosa, Switzerland for races Dec. 13-15, including the only team event on the World Cup schedule.
