Day Nine - Golden Luck runs out at Cypress

Chris Del Bosco went for it and lost.

There I was amongst the Canadian, American, Swiss, and Norwegian fans at Cypress yesterday, soaking up the sun, watching the debut of ski cross at the Winter Games. Honestly, I can't imagine a more festive atmosphere to showcase this wild sport to the world. Sunshine and beer, painted faces and flags, upbeat music and dancing, you could mistaken the day for an outdoor rock concert! There was even a live band to warm up the crowd before the competition began.

I worked the top of the stairs for the 1/8 and Quarterfinals, with a promise to be working in the stands for the Semis and Finals. Little did I know that television would bring my tongue and rock horns to my family and friends watching on CTV! Talk about luck, timing, and fate. And as my friend Ian aptly pointed out, the camera does add 20 lbs. Had a good laugh at that one! Thanks buddy.

The Small Final had Canadian Davey Barr racing for the bottom 8 spots. Two racers crashed which allowed Barr to finish sixth. Good on him, as he was a last minute replacement for two injured skiers and probably didn't train the same way.

Then the Final started, with Chris Del Bosco favoured to medal. Out of the gate, he was fighting for third place, and as the crowd below watched the jockeying of positions on the big screen, roars of applause would erupt every time Chris pulled into a medal spot. I think we all knew around the half-way point that he didn't have a chance at gold unless the two skiers ahead of him bailed, but their lead was pretty commanding.

We saw the racers come around the final corner, heading into the final jump, Chris looking like he would hold on to third place. Everyone was going crazy! Then, Del Bosco makes a decision that will ultimately cost him any podium finish - he takes the inside line, over the gate, and launches himself off-balance into the air, a spectacular crash that solicits many 'oohs' and 'awwwhhs', and finally, silence, save for the small but proud contingent from Switzerland. Their racer, Mike Schmid, had won ski cross's first ever gold medal.

Still, many people left extremely happy. It was another beautiful day on the mountain, Canada vs. USA was playing later in the afternoon, Kristina Groves wins another Silver, and Bode Miller wins Gold in Whistler. All that and Ice Dancing too!

I came home thinking it'd be an empty house, so I picked up a pizza and planned on sitting down with a beer and watch hockey. However, my hosts were back early from Whistler and had made reservations to a Japanese restaurant for after the game. I couldn't say no to the invitation, as I'd heard that outside of Japan, the food in Vancouver is some of the best in the world. It certainly didn't disappoint! What a nice treat, and again, I can't thank Don and Dana enough for their hospitality.

Today (Tuesday) is Ladies Aerials, but I have the day off. So it's tourist time in the big city. I'm planning on heading to Stanley Park, maybe rent a bike, go to the aquarium, and soak up some sun as well. Then, back here for a home cooked meal, bed, and another day at Cypress tomorrow.

I'll be home in six days, and I can't wait to see my family! More pics later.

Marc, out.