Quebec’s Julien Viel wins 1st World Cup title on home snow

Quebec’s Julien Viel secured his first World Cup title Saturday after winning the men's dual moguls at the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup on home snow.

The 24-year-old crossed the finish line nearly 1.5 seconds slower than his Japanese opponent Ikuma Horishima, but took home the title by a 20-15 score, showing control and composure in his run.

Sweden’s Filip Gravenfors took third spot, beating Finland’s Olli Penttala.

“I played it safe today. It’s very dangerous out there, so I just did my runs and tried not to injure myself,” Viel said following his win.

“The plan worked. I pushed just enough, but not too much, so I’m very happy.”

Quebec's Julien Viel victorious on home snow for 1st-ever World Cup title

Viel was loudly supported by the Val St-Côme, Que., crowd throughout the competition, and they let out some of their loudest cheers when the Canadian’s winning score was revealed.

Viel said he could hear the crowd from the top of the slope and thanked the fans for cheering Team Canada on.

“Hearing the crowd at the top … it’s amazing and it gives you the last push that you want before the run,” he said.

The result ensured that both the men’s moguls and men’s dual moguls went to Canadians. Mikaël Kingsbury claimed gold in the moguls — his 100th career World Cup victory — on Friday, though he didn’t compete in the dual moguls.

Charles Beaulieu was the only other Canadian to secure a top 10 spot in Saturday’s men’s dual moguls, finishing eighth.

Julien Viel 'very happy' after winning 1st World Cup gold of his career

On the women’s side, the U.S. claimed the top four positions. Jaelin Kauf won the competition with a score of 23, beating out silver medallist Elizabeth Lemley. Tess Johnson rounded out the U.S.’s podium sweep,