McJames, Rubens share victory in NorAm GS

By Published On: January 5th, 2007Comments Off on McJames, Rubens share victory in NorAm GS

American Megan McJames tied Canadian Shona Rubens on Thursday for the victory in the Northwest Mutual Funds NorAm Cup giant slalom at Mont-Ste-Anne, Quebec.
BEAUPRE, Que. — American Megan McJames tied Canadian Shona Rubens on Thursday for the victory in the Northwest Mutual Funds NorAm Cup giant slalom at Mont-Ste-Anne, Quebec.
    Rubens earned her first career NorAm win, while Montreal’s Emilie Desforges took the bronze.
    McJames and Rubens both clocked 1 minute, 47.97 seconds to stand side-by-side on the podium’s top step. Desforges continued to impress in her comeback season, grabbing the bronze in 1:49.32.
    It was the second straight day both Canadians reached the podium as Desforges took silver and Rubens the bronze in Wednesday’s GS won by McJames.
    “It’s really nice to get some consistency in my skiing,” said Rubens, a 20-year-old member of Canada’s national women’s team. “I’ve skied well here the past two days but today I took more risks and I was more aggressive. It’s pretty exciting to get the win and I was happy to share the victory as well. That doesn’t happen very often in skiing.”
    Rubens posted the fastest time on the first run by 0.15 seconds over McJames.
    “I was nervous for the second run,” Rubens said. “I just tried to the same thing and forget about the pressure. Getting the win is great for the confidence.  On the World Cup I’m still gaining experience this season so it’s kind of nice to have an opportunity to come here and challenge for the wins.”
    Desforges, 23, missed the entire 2005-06 season with a back injury and earned her third medal this season in nine Nor-Am Cup races.
    Competition continues with slalom races Saturday and Sunday.
 


Mont-Ste-Anne NorAm GS results

1. Megan McJames, U.S., 1:47.97
2. Shona Rubens, Canmore, Alta., 1:47.97
3. Emilie Desforges, Montreal, 1:49.32
4. Leanne Smith, U.S., 1:49.69
5. Keely Blair Kelleher, U.S., 1:49.80
6. Kiley Staples, U.S., 1:50.25
7. Hailey Duke, U.S., 1:50.48
8. Marie-Pier Prefontaine, St-Sauveur, Que., 1:50.56
9. Jilyne McDonald, U.S., 1:50.59
10. Laurel Carter, U.S., 1:50.61.

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About the Author: Pete Rugh