CALGARY — The Alberta advantage is alive and well, as Canadian women matched the men’s best results in World Cup luge action here Saturday.

Alex Gough turned what might be her final two runs in Calgary into a silver medal — she’s contemplating retirement — while Kimberley McRae finished a close fourth. The results mirrored Sam Edney’s silver and Mitchel Malyk’s fourth-place finish from Friday night.

Gough secured her 26^th career World Cup medal and finished in 1:33.557, nestling in between two German sliders. Race winner Tatjana Huefner rang up a two-run time of 1:33.442 and bronze medallist Natalie Geisenberger finished in 1:33.603.

“It’s a great feeling. I’ve been close a couple of times this year already,” said Gough, who had a couple of fourth-place finishes earlier in the season. “I had those races knowing where that time was, so I knew I had the potential to be right up there with Natalie and Tatjana.”

McRae, who has dealt with a back problem for a lengthy period of time, crossed in 1:33.796. The 25-year-old from Victoria looked relieved.

“I really finally kind of relaxed and did luge,” she smiled. “The last few World Cups it’s been a little bit rough back-injury wise and getting back into it. Today I definitely just went out and slid and it felt great to be back on the sled properly.”

Geisenberger, the overall World Cup leader, led after the first run but made a crucial mistake on her second tour of the track and Huefner was able to capitalize.

“It was a very good race. I’m very proud,” said Huefner. “It was two good runs and I’m very happy now.”

There was a noisy home crowd at the finish line and both male and female Canadian sliders rewarded them on the weekend by doing what comes naturally on the track and in conditions they know so well.

“It’s a typical Calgary Chinook day with the wind blowing you around down the straightaway, so it’s a fun way to race and I love being here,” said Gough. “It’s great to know exactly what to expect.”

Looking further down the road, she is less sure what the future holds. The 30-year-old from Calgary is openly toying with retirement after a fine, 15-year career.

“It’s on my mind. There’s a distinct possibility this is my last race here.

“I’m playing my cards close to my chest. I haven’t quite made that decision yet. I want to leave my options open and see how the season shapes up and take a little time after the season to figure out what’s going on and how I want to proceed. But I’m so pleased with how I capped off this weekend.”

dbarnes@postmedia.com