In the final of the second World Cup on Argentinean soil Ricker
left Bulgaria's Alexandra Jekova, her team mate Dominique Maltais (CAN) and Tanja
Frieden from Switzerland behind. On the men's side Pierre Vaultier crossed the finish line
ahead of the Americans Seth Wescott and Graham Watanabe, as well as Austria's Markus
Schairer.
Both of the thrilling final heats at the first race of the Olympic season could not have been
topped. Not only today's victory or the World Cup points were most important on the
spectacular race track in Chapelco, but also the national qualifications for the Vancouver
Olympic Games in 2010 were on the table.
In the ladies final, Tanja Frieden (SUI) and Alexandra Jekova (BUL) had some trouble in the
beginning of the race, from which today's champion Maelle Ricker (CAN) profited from: "I
had a really good start and just kept on going as fast as possible. I almost can't believe that I
won here. It was a perfect day of racing on a great track. I hope it will keep on going like
this, particularly at the Olympic Games next year, which will take place almost in my
backyard". But also second placed Alexandra Jekova was super happy: "It was so much fun
today. The start of the season couldn't have been better for me".
At the start of the men's final Markus Schairer (AUT) and Seth Wescott (USA) almost
crashed after a hard tackle, of which Wescott came out best and kept up a tough duell with
the winner Pierre Vaultier (FRA) until the finish line. "It was a tight competition against Seth
until the end today on this great course. I'm so happy now, I think I really like Argentina". But
also Wescott wasn't disappointed at all: "It's perfect today. I almost had no training on snow
before, but felt physically strong. This spot on the podium is so important for me, also
regarding the Olympics. Our team is so strong, that every result counts when you want to be
in the Olympic team".
