Following on from his World Cup success of last season, Erik Guay has had another year to remember in 2011...
The achievements
After winning the overall Super-G discipline in the 2010 World Cup season, Erik's progress in 2011 was initially supressed by a niggling back injury that kept him out of several World Cup races, but the Canadian put all his fitness worries behind him with a stunning gold medal winning performace in the 2011 World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. His performances now rank him behind only legend Steve Podborski in Canada's all-time list of skiiers. Erik is also shortlisted for Canada's Athlete of the Year award.
The big event
Swiss veteran, Didier Cuche, was the odds-on favourite to add the Downhill World Championship gold medal to his four Overall World Cup Downhill titles, but Cuche was denied in the big race for the second consecutive world championships when Guay stormed to victory by 0.32 of a second. The return to the venue of his first World Cup win back in 2007 inspired Erik to the win on undoubtedly his favourite course.
Watch Erik's winning run in the 2011 World Championships in this video...
Best quote of the year
"None of this has really sunk in yet. All I know is that I'm world champion and it's a pretty special feeling."
Top images
Erik on his way to victory in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the 2011 World Championships in February.
Erich Spiess/Red Bull Content Pool
A delighted Erik Guay along with Didier Cuche (left) and Christof Innerhofer (right) after his World Championship victory.
ASP Red Bull/Red Bull Content Pool
Erik in action at Beaver Creek, USA in December 2011.
Erich Spiess/Red Bull Content Pool
What’s next in 2012?
As there are no Winter Olympics or World Championships in 2012, Erik will be looking to improve upon his current position in the World Cup standings and grab more podium spots before the end of the season.
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