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Week One: Treacherous Conditions
For the majority of the week we had gale force winds, which blew all the snow away leaving the glacial ice, making our training difficult and dangerous. We attempted to inspect or run at reduced pace, but it was beyond our current levels of ability. Perhaps from the middle of the season and onwards we would have been able to ski the course and gain training from it, as it were, we trained on the hard pistes next to the race course, benefiting from the experience.
With just the single edge and limited control over the sit ski, the higher-level injuries really struggled, and long bucket slides down the slopes were common. It was so windy on one day that the mountain was shut, just in case you think I’m being a drama queen!
Week Two: Looking Forward
The weather was being kind to us at the start of the week, but things got a lot worse with snow storms and zero visibility. Ski-wise, all the Team members were improving their technique, balance and time through the GS and SL gates. Unfortunately there were also some major set backs, crashes and injuries. On Friday and Monday I had some major crashes, breaking two skis, one rigger and my nose. For a couple of days I was looking like I’d drunk far too much port and brandy for 60 years!
Tim then had his foot broken, not in a crash as you might expect, but by the Team doctor. The Doc was helping Tim stretch out his calf and ankles, by pushing his toes up towards his knee. Without warning Tim heard a loud snap and his foot became a lot freer to move than it previously had. Tim feels sick every time he thinks of the noise, not that we remind him of it….much! After visiting the hospital he came back with his foot in plaster and a very subdued doctor.
Five of us had brand new sit skis to get used to and adjust accordingly, which meant most nights were spent drilling, cutting and taping the seats or frames. As everyone has different requirements and levels of injury, the standard mono-skis need fine tuning to suit that persons style of skiing. We’re currently looking for a ‘shock’ expert to advise us on the best set-ups as well as some to help with the seats and wind-resistance testing. Any offers would be gratefully received.
Apart from the injuries, I’m feeling positive about the race season ahead. Speed and balance through the courses is improving, despite the falls. Next trip is on 1st December, for more training and the first races of the 08/09 season in Colorado, USA . We head to Breckenridge for training, then Copper Mountain and Winter Park for the NorAm Races. Everyone is getting fired up for the races and it should be a good year for the Brits.
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