Snowsports World Cup Weekend Action
23rd January 2004At the halfway point of this winter season, the weekend ahead (23 25 January) promises to be one of the busiest World Cup weekends for Snowsport GB's leading athletes.
Lesley McKenna (29, Aviemore) heads into this weekend's double FIS World Cup Half-pipe competition in Kreischberg (AUT) leading the international standings, a position she has held since Christmas. Already qualified tonight¹s Kreischberg (23/1/04) final, McKenna attempts further qualification for tomorrow¹s final, a replacement for the cancelled Laax event.
Notoriously the most treacherous of the classic downhills, the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel (AUT) is the venue for a full programme of men¹s Alpine World Cup racing. 34th in today¹s Super G event, just 2.14 seconds behind race winner Daron Rhalves, is an improved result for Britain¹s Finlay Mickel, which will give him some confidence prior to tomorrrow¹s (24/1/04) Hahnenkamm Downhill race.
The slalom specialists are also in Kitzbühel having warmed up last night in nearby Westendorf. The FIS level event is traditionally a stop off for many World Cup regulars on their way to Kitzbühel and Performance Director, Mark Tilston, is encouraged by Alain Baxter¹s (30, Aviemore) 3rd place, behind an on form Pallander and Schoenfelder.
"Alain skied very strongly last night. His skis were working well and he looked good. He really went for it in a way we have not yet seen this season and his performance bodes well for this weekend." Said Performance Director, Mark Tilston, who was also impressed with Mickel¹s attitude in the start gate in today¹s Super G.
Noel Baxter (21, Aviemore), who made second run qualification for the first time last week, will hope to repeat that experience and finished in 18th place in Westendorf. The Kitzbühel Slalom is scheduled for Sunday morning (25/1/04).
Last but not least, Chemmy Alcott (21, Twickenham), is bursting with confidence after last weekend's thrilling top 10 downhill result in Cortina (ITA) and is in World Cup Giant Slalom action in Maribor (SLO) tomorrow (24/3/04).