Vernon’s Curt Minard joined his fellow Canadians in reaching the quarterfinals of his first event at the Para Snowboardcross World Championships at Kelowna’s Big White.
Minard finished seventh, one spot ahead of fellow Canadian Andrew Genge of Oshawa, Ont., in challenging conditions in the men’s Upper Limb Impairment division.
“I am disappointed I lost in my last heat as the next one was the semifinal but I am overall really happy with being seventh overall in the world championships,” said Minard, who lost his hand in an industrial accident.
“As the races progressed that day (Saturday), I consistently got better and faster in my races. My confidence was there and I felt great on snow.
The conditions were by far the worst I have ever raced in. By the sixth corner of the course there was very little visibility and my goggles were completely iced over but we were all dealing with that.”
Minard had a chance in his quarterfinal to take the lead on (eventual silver medalist) Maxime Montaggioni of France but Montaggioni squeezed him out at the last second.
Gerrit van Bruggen of St. Albert, Alta. reached the quarterfinals in the Lower Limb 2 Impairment class.
Minard, who carries sponsorship from Ibew 258, Hager Orthopaedic Clinics Ltd. and Limitless Communications Ltd., was back on the slopes Tuesday competing in the banked slalom event.
He was Canada’s top finisher in the men’s upper limb category, improving on his first two runs by a full second, finishing the day with a time of 1:16.03 to finish in 8th place.
“It was an honour to again represent our country,” said Minard. “I’d like to thank all my supporters, my girl, Heidi, and the support from our kids for sacrificing us with being away so much. It takes us all working together to make this all work and it’s hard on all of us. But I couldn’t do it without them.”
Minard will compete later this month at events in La Molina, Spain, a training camp in Japan and a pre-Paralympic World test event in Korea.
* Vernon’s Kevin Hill was 15th out of 68 competitors at the latest FIS Snowboardcross World Cup race in Bansko, Bulgaria.
Fellow Canadian Baptiste Brochu of Saguenay, Que. won the bronze medal. Austria’s Alessandro Haemmerle took gold and Frnace’s Pierre Vaultier captured the silver medal.
