2003 - the DHO

DOWNHILL ONLY JOURNAL 2003
— British Schoolboys Races, 2003 —
Wengen 2003 Ingie Christophersen
S ki
racing beats everything. A bib on your chest, the starter's hand on your shoulder, the clock
peeping the seconds, the exhilaration of speed, precision, technique; magic.
The D.H.O-run British International Schoolboys Race, now in
it's 6th year, and growing rapidly, is doing the British skiing
world a great favour. From small beginnings, 40 boys 5 years
ago, it has gained rapidly in importance and popularity and we
should next year see a full contingent, 140 boys, which is the
maximum allowed, under international rules, in any one race.
Ski racing and your starting position is dependent on your BASS
(British Alpine Seeding System) points and if you were unlucky
in one set of races, or broke an arm, or the race was cancelled,
you are at the mercy of your bad points. Now that the
Schoolboys' races can be added to the BARSC, English and
British races it gives everyone one more chance to climb up the
points ladder, or down as the case might be, as the fewer points
you have the better, the winner getting 0.
This year the race was held in Wengen for the first time. The
D.H.O's expertise can help Wengeners greatly, because the
famous Lauberhorn Downhill is run by the FIS bringing outside
Race Directors, T.D's and timing team. Wengen provides the onhill
course workers, gate-keepers etc. Richard Berry, Chief of
Championships, is keen to establish a good, solid basis from
which to run the Schoolboys and other events in the future.
Regrettably, Richard broke his Achilles tendon during the races
and spent three days in Interlaken hospital, hence I am writing
this article. He has now recovered completely and is already
preparing for next year's race.
The Wengeners are generous in allowing us to use the
Lauberhorn and nothing is more spectacular for the boys than
to launch themselves out of the Lauberhorn start hut, as used by
the world's best and bravest downhillers and seen on TV all
over the world. No wonder the parents' cameras were clicking
overtime! "Johnny in the Lauberhorn Start Hut, 2003".
This year we ran a successful giant slalom but the day of the
slalom was a windy Wengen fohn day, the Wixi chair was off
and there was no way for the competitors to get to the start.
The race was cancelled and we all had to kick our heels free
skiing on the Grindelwald side.
Accommodation for everyone was in the Belvedere Hotel for the
duration of the race. Parents and competitors thoroughly
enjoyed their three days and this contributes much to the races'
overall success. It generated great spirit and camaraderie and
the parents, certainly, are very keen to come back next year.
The prize giving was a veritable Aladdin's cave of shining
silverware, and in spite of the truncated event we were able to
give it all away.
Next year promises to be excellent. Competitors, parents, team
managers and teachers and ourselves cannot wait to come back.
Aufwiederlucge Wengen.
PS All results, from all British competitions, can be seen on the
SnowsportGB website, www.britski.com from a very few
minutes after the race is over.