QUEBEC - Alpine Canada has named the first three women skiers to qualify for the squad heading to the Sochi Olympics.

Quebecers Marie-Michele Gagnon and Brittany Phelan and Ontario's Larisa Yurkiw will compete at the Winter Games next month.

The announcement in Quebec City today comes on the heels of part of the men's contingent being named last week.

The group, dubbed the three "Canadian Cowboys", are Erik Guay of Mont Tremblant, Que., Jan Hudec of Calgary, and Manny Osborne-Paradis of North Vancouver, B.C.

Others could still qualify in advance of the Games as qualifications remain open until Jan. 26.