Canadian #nextgen Nic LaFramboise captures first World Cup Gold of the 19/20 season in strong showing for Canada in Modena, Italy
left to right: Mark McMorris (2nd), Nic LaFramboise (1st), Chris Corning (3rd) Photo: FIS Snowboarding
Canada claims three podium spots at this year’s first Big Air World Cup tour stop at Skipass resort in Modena, Italy.
The Canadian Freestyle team had a strong showing on Saturday with wins in both the men’s and women’s events. #NextGen athlete Nicolas LaFramboise took gold in only his second ever World Cup appearance. Nic put down a frontside triple 1440 mute and backside triple 1440 mute for a total of 172.50 points. Mark McMorris in only his first Big Air tour stop since returning to competition won silver with a backside triple 1440 indy and frontside triple 1440 mute, for a total of 168 points. Other notable finishes on the men’s side included Darcy Sharpe placing ninth and Jack MacDougall coming in 12th.
On the women’s side Olympian Brooke Voigt won silver with a backside 720 and frontside 720 melon, for a combined score of 126.75. This win marked her 7th podium of her World Cup career.
left to right: (2nd) Brooke Voight - CAN, (1st) Reirea Iwabuch - JAP, (3rd) Anna Gasser (AUT) Photo: FIS Snowboarding
Nic’s surprising finish, claiming gold up against his national team counterparts and seasoned Big Air veterans, was a welcomed surprise to both Nic and the team at Canada Snowboard. Not only is it an ideal start to the season for the rookie world cup athlete, but a testament to the Canada Snowboard pathway that Nic has been excelling on. From his provincial club at Quebec Snowboard to his time with Canada Snowboard, the whole program is feeling Nic’s success. National Slopestyle coach Mike Stastook had this to say about Nic’s performance: “When Corning’s 3rd run score came through, and Mark was done and it was just him and I up there and I had to explain to him that he just won $15,000, and beat Mark, but most importantly he had landed two rad tricks...it was unbelievable. The Stoke is real. The kid is the real deal.”
Nic LaFramboise. Photo: FIS Snowboarding
The Canadians surprised the snowboard world over the weekend, showcasing their skills across the team’s roster. The season is early, the momentum is on and we are shaping up to leave Canada’s name at the top of the standings. The next Big Air World Cup is the Air + Style event in Beijing taking place Dec 13-14th.
