Canadian Nat'ls: Yurkiw wins downhill

Larisa Yurkiw continued to build on the momentum of a very successful season to date, winning Friday's Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships Women's downhill race in dominant fashion to capture the first national title of her career.
    The 19-year-old alumni of the Georgian Peaks Ski Club finished today in a time of one minute 29.18 seconds to win by over a second.
    "This means a lot to me. To win a race is great wherever you are but at nationals, here in Whistler on the Olympic track, it’s the best feeling," said Yurkiw, who came to the national championships clearly on a roll this season having three Coupe Nor-Am Cup wins and leading the overall standings on that race series.

Larisa Yurkiw continued to build on the momentum of a very successful season to date, winning Friday's Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships Women's downhill race in dominant fashion to capture the first national title of her career.
    The 19-year-old alumni of the Georgian Peaks Ski Club finished today in a time of one minute 29.18 seconds to win by over a second.
    "This means a lot to me. To win a race is great wherever you are but at nationals, here in Whistler on the Olympic track, it’s the best feeling," said Yurkiw, who came to the national championships clearly on a roll this season having three Coupe Nor-Am Cup wins and leading the overall standings on that race series.
    "I don’t remember what my exact time was yesterday but I knew there were things tactically and technically that I needed to change to be competitive today," said Yurkiw who finished yesterday’s training in second place. "I was able to change what I wanted to today and that made the difference."
    Yurkiw said the course was in great condition despite significant recent snowfall.
    "All of the Whistler Weasel Workers and course crew did an amazing job considering the snowfall that they have had to deal with over the last few days. The track was really consistent and the conditions overall were great," Yurkiw said.
    Emilie Desforges, who had the fastest time in the opening training, finished in a time of 1:30.31 grabbing second spot.
    "Last year I was on the podium as well," said Desforges, who finished third in the downhill and second in the super G at the 2007 Pontiac GMC Canadian championships. "For sure it’s great to be on the podium but I am here to go after my first title, that’s what I want."
    Danielle Poleschuk finished third, just 0.01s behind Desforges.
    "It feels really good to be on the podium today. Honestly, it’s been a little while since I have had that feeling. So although I know I can ski better and attack a bit more, it’s all good for today," said Poleschuk.
    On the Men’s side, it was World Cup champion John Kucera taking top spot in the opening run of downhill training. Kucera finished in a time of 1:55.24 followed by Erik Guay and national development team racer Patrick Wright.
    The schedule for tomorrow at the Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships will be finalized later today following the Team Captain’s Meeting. Alpine Canada Alpin'

Did not finish 1st run : POLESCHUK Nicole (CAN), IRWIN Stephanie (CAN)