Big White’s Ian Deans pulled off some spectacular jumps this season, but none as significant as the one he’s making up to the World Cup men’s ski cross circuit.
The Kelowna product earned a spot on the world’s premier ski cross tour in 2012-13 thanks to winning the Nor-Am Cup ski cross overall title this season.
Deans clinched top spot by winning both Saturday’s and Sunday’s Nor-Am races at Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon.
With 664 points, Deans won the overall crown by 129 points over teammate Robert Lepine of Whistler.
“I feel relieved,” said Deans, 20. “I’ve been stressing about it for a little while as it’s been pretty tight and finally getting it off my chest is a huge relief. I’ve been working towards this all year, so it feels good.”
“Ian had really good starts both days,” said Alberta Ski Cross coach Stanley Hayer.
“Today (Sunday) he won every start except for the final and then he passed in the first trapping section and never looked back. He was just really strong. He looked really focused.”
Deans is already looking forward to the possibilities of next season.
“I got to compete in one of the World Cups this year and it was amazing,” said Deans, who raced in Blue Mountain, Ont. “Just the support from everyone from the national team and allowing me to come with them was absolutely spectacular.”
Deans grew up skiing at Big White Ski Resort, joined the Big White Racers and after watching Kelsey Serwa and her success, decided to pursue racing on the ski cross circuit.
A driven young man, Deans is currently studying at the UBCO while keeping up with his ski cross training.
