Mac Marcoux, of Sault Ste Marie, ON, guided by his brother BJ Marcoux, claimed Canada's first gold at the 2015 IPC World Championship in Panorama. Alpine Canada photos

Mac Marcoux, of Sault Ste Marie, ON, guided by his brother BJ Marcoux, claimed Canada’s first gold at the 2015 IPC World Championship in Panorama. Alpine Canada photos

Panorama, BC (Wednesday, March 4, 2015) – Mac Marcoux, of Sault Ste Marie, ON, guided by his brother BJ Marcoux, shaved a whopping four seconds off their Downhill (visually impaired) training run time on Wednesday, March 4t to claim Canadas first gold at the 2015 IPC World Championship in Panorama, BC.

This is the first time the Marcoux brothers have won on the World Championship and World Cup stage in their 3 years of racing together. Marcoux had incredible speed and technique, claiming 1st place in a time of 1:29.68. Mark Bathum from the United States of America was +2.21 seconds off the pace of Marcoux, finishing in 2nd and Miroslav Haraus of Slovakia finished 3rd (1:32.89).

Its been a good day, expressed Mac Marcoux. Experiencing this with BJ is awesome. Today is the first win above the Nor-Am level with BJ and its the World Championships! The Downhill is now complete and such a great result has lifted a little weight off our shoulders, building our confidence leading into tomorrows race.

Canadas 17 year-old Mac Marcoux has continued build upon his dream season. The Sochi 2014 Paralympic three-time medalist has landed on the podium a total of eight times thus far during the 2014/15 season first place (five times), second place (once) and third place (twice), resulting in securing the coveted Crystal Globe and title: Overall World Cup athlete.

In a tribute to the race organizing committee (ROC), the athletes praised the fantastic and well prepared track conditions. The snow was hard and fast and there was great light, a perfect combination which some athletes claimed to be the best Downhill track theyve ever skied on.

IPC AS WCH DH March 4 2015 Panorama Mt. Invermere B.C.

Five other skiers represented Canada on Wednesday. In the mens Downhill (Standing) Kirk Schornstein of Spruce Grove, AB finished 7th (1:34.31) and Braydon Luscombe of Duncan, BC finished 9th (1:34.94).

Kurt Oatway of Calgary, AB was gaining speed as he entered the second interval (in 7th place) and caught an edge, however with some cat-like reflexes, he was able to recover and finished10th in the mens Downhill (Sitting).

Erin Latimer, of Toronto ON and Alana Ramsay, Calgary AB of both raced in the womens Downhill (Standing). Latimer finished 6th (1:46.14) and Ramsay finished 7th with a time of 1:50.82.

The 2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championship will continue today (Thursday, March 5) at Panorama Mountain Resort with the Super-G starting at 11:00 a.m. . All races will be streamed live on www.cbc.ca/sports/skiing .