Richards and Rousseau crowned National champions in single moguls

STE-ADÈLE, Que., March 21, 2008 – The Canada Post Freestyle National Championships got off to a flying start at Ski Mont Gabriel today. Under sunny, but cold, blue skies 2007 World Champions Kristi Richards from Summerland, BC and Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau from Drummondville, QC prevailed in closely contested finals.

It was the third national title for Richards, 26, after her 2006 dual moguls and 2003 single moguls’ titles. “It was definitely a true victory” said Richards alluding to her large victory margin of over a point with a score of 25.48. “It’s so good to win after a season like this.”

The International Ski Federation’s female rookie of the year, Chloe Dufour-Lapointe, 16, placed second to improve on her bronze medal finish at the 2007 Nationals. “I think I did a good job today” said Dufour-Lapointe who scored 25.54 in the final, “it was a good run”. Jackie Brown of Cambridge, Ontario put down a solid run to win the bronze medal with a score of 23.41.

In the high-scoring men’s moguls final, three of the last four national champions were competing, as the gold medal went to Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau, 28, of Drummondville, Que.

“That was tough, that was tough,” repeated Rousseau after capturing his sixth national title, but first since 2004. “Next to my (winning) world championship run (in 2007), this is my best run ever.”

Defending champion Maxime Gingras of St. Hippolyte, Que., had trouble with his second air en route to placing 10th, while 2005 champ Alex Bilodeau of Rosemère, Que., took the silver medal.

“These guys really nailed it. Alex did his big jumps, so I had to win it on speed and turns,” said Rousseau.

Vincent Marquis of Quebec City, the world’s third-ranked moguls skier this year, took the bronze medal. “We put on a good show,” said Marquis. “Alex and P.A. skied really well and I don’t think I made any mistakes. Maybe the difference was speed. I’m just happy to be on the podium with a medal at the nationals, with the way they skied.”

The National Championships continue with aerials Saturday and dual moguls Sunday.