Stutz, Hudec gear up for alpine nationals

Top Banff alpine skiers Paul Stutz and Jan Hudec both climbed on the NorAm slalom podium in Whistler a week before the Canadian Ski Nationals at Nakiska, which run March 23-31.

Banff’s technical wizard Stutz landed on top of the podium with gold in the slalom.

“I’m definitely happy to come out on top in the final slalom. I went in with my goal as exactly that,” Stutz said.

The soft conditions and new snow were a change for Stutz, who is accustomed to skiing on ice-injected courses in Europe.

“Some soft conditions required some tactical adaptation. I had the speed, but I started 19th, and the course is grooved up by then. I told myself I can do what it takes to win,” Stutz said.

This season has been a confidence builder for Stutz, who once again proved he can ski with the best in the world.

“I know I have the speed. It’s a tricky game to put it all together though,” Stutz said.

Looking ahead to the nationals, Stutz wants to perform in his own backyard.

“I’ve been a champion before and I’ll be gunning for top results,” Stutz said, who will compete in the Super G, Giant Slalom and the Slalom.

Hudec took time off from the world cup in an attempt to improve his standing on the FIS circuit. He finished third in Whistler, but was short of his goal of a gold medal.

“I came here because I needed to win and get good points. I had two good Super G runs and was close enough, but needed a win,” Hudec said.

Conditions were tough in Whistler, Hudec said, however an easy Super G course ensured everyone on the start line had a shot at victory.

“It was one of those days where it was a little windy. The snow was soft and I knew I had a chance. I tried to stay as low as possible and skied smart. I had no regrets after my run,” Hudec said.

Hudec has had variable results this season and was slowed by a broken hand suffered earlier this year. He also tweaked his knee in Val Gardena, Italy and his back problems flared up again.

“It’s a little frustrating. I came into the season skiing well, but was plagued with little injuries that brought my confidence down. I never felt completely myself and could not race on the top of my game. But at the end of the season I gave it a rest and was feeling good. When I’m fit and feel good, I’m getting results,” Hudec said.

“Finally, after world championships, my back settled down and I could push out of the start gate.”

Looking ahead, Hudec said he’s healthy for the Canadian Ski Nationals at Nakiska this week. His goal at nationals is simple: win.

“This year, I feel good enough that I can win every race I enter. It’s doable,” Hudec said.

He’ll face stiff competition in the form of defending champion Erik Guay, arguably one of the best skiers in Canadian alpine history.

In other Bow Valley results, Cody Pedersen did not finish his second slalom run. In the Super G, Andy Trow finished 14th.

Madison McLeish, who lives in Canmore part of the year, finished fourth in the women’s Super G. Tess Davies finished 22th overall and 12th in the junior category.