Heavy fog cancels men’s mogul event at Cypress

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Mogullist Vincent Marquis of Quebec City posted the top run in FIS World Cup freestyle ski action Saturday, but it will only count as a confidence booster. Marquis, 23, is having the season of his life so far, with a fourth, a third and a win on the World Cup circuit.

Vincent Marquis

However, Saturday’s leading score in the Canada Post Freestyle Grand Prix won’t count in the official standings. That’s because he was among 40 of 48 competitors who completed their moguls run in the qualification round, which stretched from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, before organizers cancelled the event due to fog and poor visibility.

When officials cancelled the event, after deliberating for several hours, Marquis led the field with a score of 24.57. Dale Begg-Smith, who grew up in British Columbia but competes for Australia, was second in 24.24.

“For sure, I’m a little disappointed we weren’t able to finish it, but I skied well,” said Marquis. “I’ve been skiing pretty good the last three weeks,” added Marquis, who won last week’s Deer Valley World Cup dual moguls. “I’m going to Japan (to compete next week) with a lot of confidence.”

Had all skiers completed the course, officials had the option of using the qualification round for final scores. At cancellation, Marquis was first, Bilodeau fifth, Warren Tanner of West Vancouver sixth and Rousseau ninth.

The women’s moguls qualification round never started. Action resumes with aerials competition Sunday. In addition, the women’s mogul event is now scheduled to take place immediately following the Aerial competition. Weather permitting!

posted February 9, 2008