Tristan Tafel’s got the moves. Now he’s got the hardware to prove it.
The 22-year-old Canmore World Cup ski cross racer won a silver medal in Grasgehren, Germany on Sunday (Feb. 3) with a heart-stopping pass at the finish line. The win was the second of his young World Cup career.
“It feels really good to be back on the podium and prove last year’s win wasn’t a fluke,” Tafel said.
After studying the course through the heats, he knew there was room to pass at the finish line.
“I left it in my back pocket for the final,” said Tafel, who edged Sweden’s Victor Oehling Norberg by mere milimetres for the win, crashing through the finish line. “I made all the moves at the right time.”
Tafel lunged at the line to grab the silver medal, then spun out after crossing the line.
“I planned to go in straight, land close to (Norberg’s) tail and just try to reach it,” Tafel said. The German course suited Tafel’s skill set.
“It had some really kicky lifts. For the most part it’s harder to hit those jumps with speed.” Tafel said. “I was really trying to push the line and make moves in tight situations. That track suits my style.”
“Tristan fought well today,” said Eric Archer, Canada’s head coach. “He drafted and then just reached. It was one of the best reaches I’ve seen to get the photo finish.”
The podium is the first of many to come this season, Tafel hopes, as he also chases a starting spot at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He leaves for Russia next week to scout the course.
“I’m looking forward to going there, and see what the ins and outs are up there. I’m going with my eyes open,” Tafel said. “That course will be more tailored to gliding, and that plays up drafting.”
Canada has 40 freestyle spots for the Winter Olympics, which must cover ski cross, aerials, slopestyle, moguls and half-pipe athletes. That means Tafel isn’t just competing against his teammates for a spot, but other athletes in other sports.
“It will be quite the process to choose the team,” Tafel said.
He’s been on a roll that started in San Candido, Italy, where he qualified in the top five. Since then, he’s been building confidence and wants to add more hardware.
“I knew my skiing was back and I was making the right moves, being really competitive with the top guys again.
“This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I hope to stand on the podium a few more times this season.
Tomas Kraus of the Czech Republic won the race. Brady Leman was the second Canadian across the line, finishing in fifth spot. Georgia Simmerling was the top Canadian female, finishing fourth.
