Lac-Beauport prepares for a spectacular double World Cup event
Feb 11, 2024·Freestyle
Following a thrilling weekend at White Owl in Deer Valley, the FIS Freestyle World Cup caravan has now made its way to Canada, poised for back-to-back competitions scheduled for February 10-11 at Lac-Beauport's Le Relais ski resort.
In 2022, Le Relais, situated merely 15 minutes from Quebec City, welcomed the World Cup back to its slopes for the first time since 1995. This year, the tour returns with consecutive individual competitions on the upcoming Saturday and Sunday. The organizers are ready to host over 1,500 spectators at the aerials venue, with freestyle skiing pioneers like Nicolas Fontaine, Philippe Laroche, and Jean-Marc Rozon in attendance.
Le Relais, operational since the mid-1930s, has consistently upheld its status as a premier family ski center in the region, also serving as the training ground for Quebec's skiing luminaries. Through the decades, under the stewardship of distinguished figures such as Joseph Aubé, Laurier Drouin, Clément Leclerc, and Jean Papillon, Le Relais has maintained its prominence as a key ski destination, attracting the world's top skiers.
Between 1993 and 1995, Le Relais hosted several World Cup events in acro, aerials, and moguls, spotlighting Canadian freestyle skiing stars such as Jean-Luc Brassard and Philippe Laroche. Nearly three decades later, a new generation of Canadian aerialists aims to uphold Lac-Beauport's rich freestyle skiing tradition, eager to make their mark and honor their home crowd.
However, the competition this weekend promises to be fierce, with a formidable lineup of athletes ready to compete in Quebec. The start lists feature 19 women and 24 men, including several athletes to watch closely.
In the women's field, Winter Vienecki (USA) currently leads the aerials World Cup standings, having amassed 232 points with two individual competition wins this season. Having been seen practicing her triple jumps, Vienecki is expected to deliver a spectacular performance this weekend.
Hot on her heels is Danielle Scott (AUS), the reigning World Cup champion, in second place with 200 points from two second-place finishes this season.
Canadian Marion Thenault, sitting third with 122 points, has made a strong comeback following a training crash. Despite a minor setback in the final at Deer Valley, Thenault's previous victory in Quebec last season has set high expectations for her performance this weekend.
In the men's event, Qi Guangpu (CHN), the 2022 Olympic Champion, leads the standings with 200 points, closely followed by Pirmin Werner (SUI) with 198 points. Werner, having recently executed a full triple full-full, is determined to challenge for the yellow leader bib in Canada.
Christopher Lillis (USA), currently in third with 180 points, is aiming for a comeback after finishing fourth in Deer Valley, signaling a competitive field for Lac-Beauport.
The Canadian team, buoyed by recent successes, including Alexandre Duchaine's victory in Deer Valley, is also anticipated to deliver strong performances.
The competition will commence with women's qualifications at 9:30 EST on Saturday and Sunday, followed by the men's qualifications at 11:30, and culminate with the finals at 13:45.
WATCH LIVE
Live streaming from FINALS will also be accessible on our YouTube channel - SATURDAY & SUNDAY.
Additionally this time around we’ll also stream QUALIFICATIONS and it will be available here - SATURDAY & SUNDAY.
Please note that due to broadcasting rights restrictions, live streaming availability may be limited in certain regions. However, the livestream is accessible in countries such as Canada (qualifications only), Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Singapore and South Korea.
QUICK LINKS
Lac-Beauport World Cup FIS data page (start lists, results, etc.)
