Kananaskis Valley (AB), Canada – A dominant second run in Thursday’s GMC Canadian Championships men’s giant slalom boosted Brad Spence, of Calgary, Alberta, to the first national alpine ski racing title of his career.nSpence, who has battled back from a crash in a Bormio, Italy World Cup downhill in 2005 that at one time threatened his ski racing career, finished Thursday’s GS in a two-run combined time of 2:27.11.

Spence trailed 2008 GS national champion Erik Guay, of Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, by a mere 0.02 seconds after the opening run and said Thursday’s win was actually a bit surprising.

“Obviously it’s a pretty awesome day. My first national title, for it to come in GS I am a little surprised, I didn’t really expect it,” said Spence, who sustained a fractured tibia and fibula and torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) to his right knee in the 2005 crash.

“My slalom was a little stronger this year and I was focusing on that for Saturday. So to come out here and get the title today is a huge accomplishment. It will look good on the resume,” said the 25-year-old Spence, who had five World Cup slalom results in the top 22 this season including a career-best 12th on two occasions.

Guay was second Thursday in 2:27.90 with Coupe Nor-Am Cup overall champion Dustin Cook, of Lac Sainte Marie, Quebec, on the podium at a GMC Canadian Championship for the first time in his career, placing third in 2:28.27. Sasha Zaitsoff, of Balfour, British Columbia, was the top junior finishing in 2:29.64, grabbing ninth place overall.

The 2010 GMC Canadian Championships continue with the ladies giant slalom at Nakiska Ski Area Friday. The GMC March of Champions is also bringing Canada’s top slalom skiers to Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park on Saturday for a dual slalom event including several 2010 Olympians.