Tafel makes statement at ski cross nationals

With a world champion to his left and Canadian ski cross superstars to his right, Tristan Tafel’s stomach churned in the starting gate of the Canadian ski cross nationals in Lake Louise last weekend.

Staring down the technical course, Canmore’s Tafel knew he had to lay down a strong run to land on the podium. A statement performance was required.

By the time the clouds of snow settled, Tafel did not look out of place, coming from behind to win a silver medal.

“It’s kind of a surreal feeling. I’m pretty pumped,” Tafel said, Saturday (April 2). “I was nervous up in the start, but I knew once the gate dropped I had to go.”

Fourth out of the gate in the final, Tafel patiently picked his spots after contact occurred between national team members Dave Duncan and Davey Barr. He took advantage before setting his sights on top spot.

“I ended up fourth up over the second feature, but I was just patient with it,” Tafel said.

Posting the result in his backyard carried a special meaning to him. He also needed to perform, having brought a contingent of friends from Canmore to the race.

“I’d never hear the end of it if I didn’t do well,” he said.

Tafel is a former alpine racer who has enjoyed great success as a ski cross racer. He won the ski cross NorAm points championship, dominating the domestic race circuit, and held his own against the best in the world.

World champion and X-Games gold medalist Chris Del Bosco cruised through the qualifiers and held on against a late-charging Tafel to claim the gold.

Del Bosco said the windy course was different than what the world cup racers are used to, but he was able to find a line that kept him well out in front of the competition. He breezed through qualifiers and was almost caught in the semis by Barr. Tafel gained speed on the flats in the final, but the world champion kept his lead.

He credited Tafel for a strong race, but warned the young racer he’ll face a tough grind on the world cup circuit.

Alpine Canada president Max Gartner said it appears Tafel may have earned himself a spot on the national team after winning the NorAm Cup. It was his first time watching the Canmore ski cross racer.

“It’s great to see an athlete who’s promising on the alpine side have that success and I think he’s earned a world cup spot.” Gardner said.

Tafel said he’s heard whispers of a spot on the national team as he continues to chase his goal of reaching the Olympics in 2014.

The sport has undergone a few changes as it has morphed from an X-Games event.

Integrating ski cross into the Alpine Canada program has been a success, he said, and in the future, he’d love to see ski cross racers compete in traditional alpine events, and vice versa. Many of the skills translate well, however, racing shoulder to shoulder against other competitiors is something of an adjustment for many skiers.

Canada is the top-ranked ski cross nation in the world, and Gartner sees it expanding at the grass roots level.

“Next year, we’ll bring more athletes into the club system,” Gartner said.

As the sport expands so will the profile of Tristan Tafel.