Congratulations to everyone who raced and finished Sunday’s Big John Long Slalom! There are few hills on the escarpment that offer the challenge that Big John does.
Below you’ll find a wrap up on the past weekend’s race, review of the upcoming schedule, and of course another plug for our mid-season event which is now only two weeks away!
For those ready to watch the speed week races at Wengen and Cortina, here is a brush up on some things you should know!
Slalom on Big John
When it comes to Slalom races, Big John has always been the ultimate challenge. In recent years, we’ve seen more slaloms run down Millennium, however for many racers who grew up before the V-Hill chairlift, the Big John Slalom was the only FIS homologated race course at Craigleith. For some of us, the thought of finishing this slalom course is only a dream…
On Sunday morning, the Coyotes maintained an exceptional course, that had only one small wrinkle. Ten gates from the finish line there seemed to be trouble for racers, and it forced the really fast youngers racers to gamble on how they would master it.
Congratulations to a well fought battle for the top of the standings. Cheryl McConachie returned to her dominant form providing a smoking fast 51.48 seconds down the course, and was only beat by Joel Charron, who finished at 50.85. Rounding out the top three was Gordon Bruce who’s second run clocked in at 51.68.
The women’s field finished strong, with three ladies in the top ten. Mackenzie Irwin, 52.09, came in second (to Cheryl) and 5th overall, and Brianna Machej, 56.84, finished her career best in tenth!
Again, congratulations to all those who were brave enough to participate AND finish!
Up Next
This coming weekend is a training weekend. There is no race in the calendar, but there is training to be done! Upcoming events will prove intense, as next weekend is the Super G down Landslide, and the following weekend is our Dual Slalom event.
Take your rest, training and get your skiing legs back! The season is underway and there is lots of racing left to do!
Dual Slalom Event - Saturday, February 2nd
There has been lots of great energy and excitement surrounding our mid-season event, and developments are coming through weekly. Next week we’ve got a guest contributor to deliver a specific message regarding the competition and event. Until then, you can find last week’s write up below:
“We are on! The Committee is super excited for our debut, mid-season event. The race is a dual slalom on Comet, pitting the top 32 racers from the GDHL teams, up against each other. Teams are encouraged to come out and support their racers, with cheers and cowbells. There have been rumors that the winning team will receive a free shot-ski at the 80’s style Après Ski … but these are unconfirmed.
Following the exciting dual slalom, the 80’s style Après ski will be BYOB, with some delicious food available in the North Lodge. Themed outfits are encouraged, however skiboots and downhill suits should fit right in. The event will be family friendly, and open to all.”
A special thanks goes to the guest contributor this week, James Coulter, for providing a great post-race brief. If anyone else would like their thoughts heard here, please feel free to email them in. Just keep in mind, there is no guarantee your opinions will be included!
For more distractions (there aren’t many in this newsletter), click below!
World Cup Downhillers Are The Biggest Badasses in Skiing
Enjoy the weekend on the snow! Stay Warm!
-Doug