LA PLAGNE, France – Olympic champion Kaillie Humphries won gold Friday at a World Cup bobsled event.
The 26-year-old from Calgary teamed up with rookie brakeman Emily Baadsvik for a two-run time of two minutes 02.81 seconds. Germany’s Cathleen Martini and Janine Tischer (2:02.93) were second, ahead of Switzerland’s Fabienne Meyer and Hanne Schenke (2:02.98).
It was the ninth career medal for Humphries, who teamed with Heather Moyse to win at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
“It feels really nice. I didn’t expect too much today but sliding has gone well all week and things turned out great,” said Humphries, who won bronze at last year’s world championships with Moyse. “Emily did a great job today. The start is long and flat which treated us well so we are very happy.”
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It was the first time Humphries and the world’s top bobsled athletes have competed on the 1,507-metre track nestled in a valley of the French Alps that was created for the 1992 Olympics.
“The start is long and flat and the track is quick with long pressure corners,” said Humphries. “The sled runs well here and I think the track likes me as well. I think it is a shame we haven’t been here before and I hope we come back.”
With veteran Helen Upperton competing in a condensed schedule this year and Moyse taking the year off, Humphries joined forces with Baadsvik.
“It is definitely a challenge and one we knew we would have to deal with this year,” Humphries said in a release. “There is a lot that is new this year for sure, and every track in Europe is new to my brakeman, but I am doing my best to give them little tips and guide them where I can.”
Earlier in the day, Latvia’s Dukurs brothers finished one-two in a men’s skeleton race.
Martins Dukurs won his second straight race with a time of 2:01.25, ahead of brother Tomass (2:02.23) and Russia’s Alexander Tretiakov (2:02.42).
Mike Douglas was top Canadian in 10th. Calgary’s John Fairbairn was 14th and World Cup rookie Eric Neilson of Victoria was 20th.
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