Its arrived - Super G Weekend! Get ready for our speed race that runs right underneath the busiest chairlift at Craigleith. By Sunday your legs will have had over two weeks of rest and preparation. So make sure to wax those skis and squeeze into those suits, because our racers and fans can’t wait for this race!
In this newsletter:
Super G - rules and details
Bib Auction
Athletic Fundraiser
Sponsors!
GDHL Apres - February 17th at North Lodge
Upcoming Races
Adult Race Training
Interclub
Super G
Year 2 of the GDHL Super down National is sure to be a great time. This is a unique space at Craigleith that only sees races one week this year. For those of you that saw the Ski Cross World Cup Final on National, don’t worry - there are no plans for the extreme jumps and features that were in place for that last year. But otherwise, it’s the same, right?
Weather permitting, we are planning for two runs on Sunday. The course will be set by former National and Provincial Team coach Benoit Lalande.
Some details for race day are as follows:
Downhill suits are allowed, pole guards are not allowed, helmet cams are not allowed, and hard eared helmets are mandatory.
Because of the speed, there are extra safety rules around this race that need to be followed.
Inspection is MANDATORY for all racers. From 12:10 to 12:40pm please check in at the top of the race course with your bib number. Your name will be checked off a list. If you do not inspect, you do not race.
A Yellow Flag waving while you are on the course means that there is an obstruction or fallen racer ahead of you. Please try to safely stop and see the closest member of the race crew. You will be granted a rerun.
If you see an athlete experience a fall, please do not attempt to enter the race course and approach them. While we totally understand and can relate to your urgency to help, Speed race emergency plan protocols will already have been activated to protect the safety of athletes, officials, and course workers on course.
Only accredited personnel are allowed inside the fences (athletes, course officials, coaches, ski patrol, and course workers)
Once inspection is closed, you must leave the course.
Our race crew - The Coyotes - are there to ensure a safe and fun racing experience on this exciting Super G course. Many members of our Coyotes crew are veterans of World Cup races throughout Canada, and bring that safety know-how to our GDHL races. Thank you Coyotes!
In the event an athlete requires medical assistance the course crew will ensure the course is clear before allowing the Ski Patrol to move to the athlete. This may require the "Yellow Flagging" of an athlete that is currently on course. As a spectator, this may seem like the course crew is not aware, however, they are ensuring that no one else gets injured while they are responding.
All GDHL racers are asked to assist with tear down after the race. It takes many hands to remove the safety netting. Please meet at the top of the course just prior to the last racer. One of the course crew will advise you of where they can use your expertise.
The GDHL organizers and the Craigleith Coyotes race crew appreciate your assistance with the course clean up! Many thanks in advance from all of us.
Please send us an email if you have ANY questions around the Super G. This is another first for a lot of you, so please don't hesitate to ask.
Here’s a clip of the 2017 Super G down Landslide from GDHL alum Morgan Rubes. (Click on his profile for a treasure trove of other GDHL videos. Thanks Morgan!)
Bib Auction
Word has traveled fast on the success Bibs #10 and #20 are having for our racers. As a result, more people are asking how they can get in on the action.
If you are interested in bidding on these bibs, for yourself or your team, a Craigleith Cares representative will be located in the main lodge near the bar on Sunday AM (pre-race) from 10:00am to 11:30am, accepting bids.
Highest offer for each bid wins and we will contact the winner view text – bib 10 and 20 will be available for pick up at the starting hut. We may even arrange for a local celebrity to deliver it! And don't forget, all proceeds go to Craigleith Cares and tax receipts will be issued. A win-win-win.
Athletic Fundraiser - Saturday February 10th
Tickets are available for the Athletic Fundraiser on Saturday February 10th in the Depot. Treat yourself to music, a silent auction, good food, and some drinks with friends.
If you’ve ever raced in the GDHL, you know that you have benefited from the proceeds of the fundraiser, just look around! Start huts, finish huts, safety netting, timing gear, gates, and much more.
Tickets are available on the club website.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: The Athletic Fundraiser committee is looking for members of our GDHL community to help out with ticket sales during this Friday evening in the base lodge. If you’d like to assist, please email gdhl@gdhl.org and we will forward your information.
SILENT AUCTION ITEMS: If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, please email gdhl@gdhl.org and we will forward your information.
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Once again, a big thank you to our sponsors. They are the ones that allow us to offer much more than just racing! We couldn’t do it without you.
MID-SEASON APRES - SAturday FEbruary 17th - North Lodge
We are kickin' it old school... in the North Lodge. Similar to last year's South Lodge Apres.
Who: GDHL'ers, their families and Fans! (Yes, kids as well!)
When: Saturday, February 17th 3:30-5:30 (Family Day weekend and day before the Dual Slalom)
Where: North Lodge
What: Old School BYOB Apres with munchies
We will have some beer from our fabulous sponsor SideLaunch. Nicholas Pearce Wines will be there pouring a selection of fine wines for your refined palate. www.npwines.com
Get those rivalries in check for the dual the next day!
Bring the kids! Similar to the Calcutta, we will have a kids section and helpers.
More info to come as we get closer.
Upcoming Races
Mark your calendars for the two remaining races: Slalom on February 10th and the Dual Slalom on February 18th. Both races are on Little John.
Message from Glenn Blaylock, Head Coach, Adult Race Programs
We will be training a fast Giant Slalom this Friday, February 2nd to prepare for the Super G on Sunday February 4th
Coaches Tips for Skiing Fast
Learn key tactics for racing Giant Slalom: https://medium.com/alpine-race-method-for-adults/turn-shape-791de526b0ba
Learn how to ‘Search for Speed’ and when to use the ‘High’ and ‘Low’ tuck stances: https://medium.com/alpine-race-method-for-adults/skiing-fast-3c35cf1b6e84
Friday Training
Date: Friday, February 2
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am / 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Hill: (Check the White Board at National Chair to Confirm).
Discipline: Giant Slalom
Equipment: GS Skis, Hard Shell Helmet and Forearm guards.
Coaches: Howard Cole and Greg Roe
hank you for slipping the course and helping the coaches remove the race gates at the end of the training session.
Ski with Purpose
Interclub
The team is filling up for the GS at Alpine this weekend.
If you’re interested in learning more about the interclub racing circuit, Craigleith’s 11 year championship run, or how you could be involved email tsimmsbrown@jascor-intl.com