Cutting Edge 16-01-2008
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The Challenge of the Hahnenkamm New Year Competitions Kick Off! Support the Team at the British Championship Noel Baxter takes on the Italians |
Welcome to the latest edition of Cutting Edge from SnowsportGB which will keep you updated on all the latest from the British Ski team. Along with results, we'll be featuring profiles of the athletes and teams, will hear from the coaches and sponsors and will keep you informed about the main news and events throughout the season.
The Challenge of the Hahnenkamm
This weekend sees Kitzbühel hosting the Alpine Skiing World Cup tour. The most famous slope on the tour – the Hahnenkamm, is considered one of the most demanding courses in the Alpine Skiing World Cup.
Since 1967, the Hahnenkamm has been one of the highlights of the World Cup calendar. After last year’s unfortunate cancellation due to lack of snow, the organisers are hoping for a fantastic weekend of skiing, with forecasts predicting perfect racing conditions.
The programme for the competition sees the Super G on the Friday, the Downhill on the Saturday and both Slalom heats on the Sunday. Prize money this year totals over £400,000.
Mark Tilston, head coach for the World Cup team gives his thoughts on the event:
"Kitzbühel is for good reason reputedly the toughest race of the circuit. At its best the Hahnenkamm race challenges every technical, psychological and physical element of a ski racer. The acceleration out of the start is one of the fastest of the tour, leading into the 'Mausefalle' jump which drops away to an icy bumpy compression which then throws the skiers into the carousel 180 degree turn and then onto the renowned 'Steilhang'. The intensity of the course then picks up again at the bottom with the 'Hausberg' jump, side hill and finish at almost 100 miles an hour all coming after 1 minute 45 seconds of icy bumpy pistes. The finish in Kitzbühelcan only be matched by Schladming with 30,000 fans cheering for every racer.”
New Year Competitions Kick Off!
Last Saturday, Chemmy Alcott, Britain’s top female ski racer equalled her best World Cup Giant Slalom finish this year by coming 16th at Maribor, Slovenia held on 12th-13th January. Alcott finished 18th in the first run and 11th equal in the second, resulting in an overall placing of 16th.
On return to the season after a broken ankle, Finlay Mickel had set himself the challenge of taking on the two hardest courses of the season. He took part in the FIS World Cup meet in Wengen, Switzerland from 9th-13th January, finishing 46th in the Downhill. Finlay will be sure to improve his performance for his next race - the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel, one of the most testing runs in the world.
Meanwhile, returning to action for the first time since November due to injury, Ed Drake finished 51st in his first ever Europa Cup race in Hinterstuder, Austria. Pam Thorburn also had cause to celebrate, finishing 14th in the FIS Slalom in Arber, Germany.
Support the Team at the British Championship
Snowsport GB and Directski.com have teamed up to offer the chance to win a trip for two to the 30th British Land National Ski Championships in Meribel, France.
From 30th March to 6th April, British athletes, skiers and fans will descend upon Meribel for the British Land National Ski Championships which includes senior, junior and children's events.
The winners will be able to enjoy six days of skiing anywhere in the Trois Vallées region and be able to watch all of the Championships events. There will also be the opportunity to attend exclusive functions such as the official Opening Ceremony where HRH the Earl of Wessex, patron of Snowsport GB, will be in attendance.
Prize Details:
· Flights
· Accommodation (sharing - B&B basis)
· Six day lift passes for the Three Valleys area
· Transfers to and from airport to resort
· Watching Britain's top skiers compete at the Championships
· Lunch with members of the British World Cup Ski Team and a chance to ski with them
· Guided run down the race piste with one of the British Team Coaches
· Invitation to attend some of the official functions, including the official Opening Party with HRH Earl of Wessex.
Click here to enter for a chance to win this fantastic prize!
Noel Baxter takes on the Italians
Following a successful comeback after injury, Noel Baxter was invited to take part in the prestigious Parellelo Dante or Christmas Parallel in Pila, Italy in 23rd December.
The professional race, in its 20th year, brings together the top Italian skiers and a select group of international racers. Shown live on Italian TV this International Dual Slalom sees the skiers race head to head in direct competition. Past winners include skiing legends Alberta Tomba, Giorgio Rocca and Massimiliano Blardone.
Davide Simoncelli was the top seed at this year's race who Noel met in the quarter finals and duly knocked out. Noel then met Giuliano Razzoli, who finished 14th at this years World Cup Slalom in Adelboden. They were neck and neck in the semi-final until a small error from Noel gave the race to Razzoli.
Razzoli went on to win the competition, with Christain Simari-Brikner finishing second and Noel Baxter in third place.
Stop Press!!!
British Championship entry forms available Monday 21st January at http://www.snowsportgb.com/British-Championships/
Alpine Selection Policy 2008 available from www.snowsportgb.com from Friday 18th January!!!
Watch out for…skiing...(16.01.08)
Highlights from Kitzbuhel on World Cup Skiing on 4 – Sunday 20th January 7.45am – 8.45am (or 8.45am on Channel 4+1 for those who want a long lie!)
Action from;
· Women’s World Cup in Cortina d’Ampezzo, 16th – 20th January.
· Men’s World Cup in Chamonix, 24th – 27th January.
· Women’s World Cup in Ofterschwang, 26th-27th January.
