Dale Begg-Smith has wound up his Torino Olympic preparation by claiming a World Cup silver medal in the Czech Republic.
Dale Begg-Smith has wound up his Torino Olympic preparation by claiming a World Cup silver medal in the Czech Republic.
After three straight victories, the 21-year-old moguls skier had to play second fiddle to rising star Alexandre Bilodeau in the Spindleruv Mlyn event, as the Canadian rookie posted a very impressive score of 27.36 points to take his second gold for the season.
Begg-Smith was nearly one point behind on 26.44 points, with Nathan Roberts of the United States in third place on 25.95.
Bilodeau's win was driven by his two jumps, a double rotation and a triple rotation off-axis spin, but he also edged Begg-Smith in the turns by one tenth of a point.
Olympic Winter Institute head Moguls Coach Steve Desovich was philosophical about the result.
"When we are slightly disappointed in a second place result, when it feels a bit boring, then it shows just how well we have been doing this season," Desovich said.
"Dale skied really well today. It was windy and the wind was gusting, and the light was bad, very flat, but he handled it very well - it just didn't turn out for him today."
"We are all a bit subdued, but as I said that just reflects the success we have had."
"He's on a good roll and we just need to continue that momentum as we go to Torino."
Michael Robertson and Jason Begg-Smith both made the top 20, at 18th and 19th position.
Begg-Smith remains on top of the World Cup standings going into the Olympic Games break, with 585 points to Bilodeau's 436 points.
He has now claimed four victories and two podium places for the season in eight events.
Begg-Smith travels to Torino on Sunday, and competes in the Games on Wednesday February 15.
After three straight victories, the 21-year-old moguls skier had to play second fiddle to rising star Alexandre Bilodeau in the Spindleruv Mlyn event, as the Canadian rookie posted a very impressive score of 27.36 points to take his second gold for the season.
Begg-Smith was nearly one point behind on 26.44 points, with Nathan Roberts of the United States in third place on 25.95.
Bilodeau's win was driven by his two jumps, a double rotation and a triple rotation off-axis spin, but he also edged Begg-Smith in the turns by one tenth of a point.
Olympic Winter Institute head Moguls Coach Steve Desovich was philosophical about the result.
"When we are slightly disappointed in a second place result, when it feels a bit boring, then it shows just how well we have been doing this season," Desovich said.
"Dale skied really well today. It was windy and the wind was gusting, and the light was bad, very flat, but he handled it very well - it just didn't turn out for him today."
"We are all a bit subdued, but as I said that just reflects the success we have had."
"He's on a good roll and we just need to continue that momentum as we go to Torino."
Michael Robertson and Jason Begg-Smith both made the top 20, at 18th and 19th position.
Begg-Smith remains on top of the World Cup standings going into the Olympic Games break, with 585 points to Bilodeau's 436 points.
He has now claimed four victories and two podium places for the season in eight events.
Begg-Smith travels to Torino on Sunday, and competes in the Games on Wednesday February 15.
