Ste.-Anne-de-Beaupré (QC), Canada – Trevor Philp, a talented young racer and university student, beat out some veteran World Cup skiers on Monday to become the Canadian champion in men’s slalom in Mont-Sainte-Anne ski resort in Quebec.

Philp, of Calgary, Alberta, who is still considered a junior racer, was second in the first slalom run and clocked the fastest time in the second to become the new Canadian champion in a two-run combined time of one minute, 37.77 seconds. Calgary’s Trevor White was second (1:38.52) and Mike Janyk, of Whistler, British Columbia, was third (1:38.79)

“I’m really excited right now,” said Philp, 20, whose previous best result at the Canadian championships was eighth in giant slalom in 2011 in Nakiska, Alberta. “It’s a pretty cool feeling to win at Canadian champs.”

Philp currently skis for and studies at the University Denver in Colorado and has had an excellent season, securing a World Cup spot in slalom for next season after ranking as one of the top two North Americans in the overall Nor-Am Cup slalom standings. He also secured a World Cup spot in giant slalom and super combined.

“Very pleased with it (this season) and how it went and hopefully it keeps rolling,” said Philp, who started a new school semester on Monday and is already looking forward to next season. “Next year I hope to have a better combination of the skiing and school. I’m planning on still doing some school and hopefully be able to work with the (national) team more.”

Canadian Alpine Ski Team coach Dusan Grasic was quite impressed with the young racer, who is taking the prerequisites towards a business degree.

“I think he did really good,” Grasic said. “It was better skiing than what we saw in the Nor-Am (on Saturday). I think he finally found the right way to ski. He stayed a little more grounded and I think the first run was good but nothing special and I think he really stepped up the second run and showed that he can ski slalom really well.

“He’s an incredible athlete . . . going to school and being an athlete I think that’s a huge task that he accomplished really well and I think we should support his endeavors in school but we’ll definitely have to find some more time to have more training.”

White, who was also second in slalom at the Canadian championships in 2009 in Mont-Sainte-Anne, led after the first run on Monday.

“I’m happy with second,” said White, 27. “I was fairly slow in the second run and it’s never nice to win the first run and come down and not be in the lead, so a little bit frustrated that way, but it’s a good result for Trevor Philp, a young guy coming up. It’s good to see some young talent and have him with the World Cup guys next year hopefully.”

Janyk was third after the first run. He has won the slalom title at nationals four times (2004, 2006, 2009, 2010).

“It’s always nice to be on the podium, especially in the Canadian championships,” said Janyk, 30. “It’s cool to see a younger guy, Trevor Philp, come up there. He’s an unbelievable skier, he shows a lot of talent and it’s an honor to get whopped by him.”

Monday’s race concluded the Audi Nor-Am Cup Finals and Canadian championships competition in Mont-Sainte-Anne and at nearby Le Massif de Charlevoix. Warm weather forced a change of schedule and only the men’s and ladies’ Audi Nor-Am Cup and Canadian championship slaloms were completed.

“The race organizing committee, Mont-Sainte-Anne, Le Massif and the volunteers worked extremely hard under difficult conditions,” said Philippe Bernier, director of events at Alpine Canada. “Without their support, events such as Nor-Am Cup finals and Canadian championships would not be possible. As the alpine season comes to a close we also have to thank every venue, race organizing committee and volunteer for the hard work and dedication they have given to ski racing in Canada throughout the entire season.”

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Canadian Alpine Championships
Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC – Mar. 26, 2012
Men’s Slalom