Page 53 - RADC Bulletin 2019

Ex Proton Serpent 19
Capt James Williams RADC
Despite a very busy forecast of events 5 Med Regt still managed to send a large team to the AMS Ski Championships. Although no training was undertaken beforehand, any deficiencies were more than compensated for in stacks and stacks of enthusiasm.
Due to a late accommodation booking team members were at risk of altitude sickness getting to the top of the hill where the team chalet was located. However the open fire and sauna made up for the days when approximately 200m of road had to be cleared just to make it to the resort.
Throughout the meet all troops participated in both nordic and alpine lessons. In total we had 12 novice skiers and, to Major Roden’s delight, a few even favoured nordic over alpine.
The racing kicked off with the fun race where last minute prep resulted in the fancy dress theme of Greek Goddesses disturbing and shocking many onlookers. Who knew eight young men could make bedsheets and makeup so attractive? Capt Thompson’s true competitive spirit came to the fore as
he careered down the slope completely out of control in the pursuit of extreme speed. Thankfully an unwilling ESF instructor made for plenty of cushioning at the bottom.
The competitive spirit continued where the team pulled a very respectable 5th and 18th out of 48 on the 5km Nordic Relay and 7th and 18th on the 10km Nordic Sprint. This success transferred to the alpine where Maj Roden placed an impressive 6th out of 114 competitors. Further success was enjoyed in the Novice race where Pte Benstead went through the time gate in first place looking truly at home on the snow.
tested the team to the full. Even though not all could compete, training and preparation was undertaken by all. This allowed the team to set off in good order at 0812hrs and complete in a time of 3hrs and 12mins, no mean feet for four Nordic novice skiers with no compass (questionable officer admin
to blame). The team was cheered on at every task with noise complaints received from bordering Italy but as the Regt 2IC and RSM led the support no charges could be made! Coming 8th, the team would have puffed their chests out with pride after the race if they weren’t in a heap from exhaustion.
During Prize Giving Night the team were elated to receive The Crystal Trophy, Best Alpine Novice, The Coralle Cup, The Edith Cavel Trophy and most spectacularly the spirit of the event award presented to Pte Kirstein. Not a bad haul for a bunch of novices. As team captain I returned tired but content with 5 AMR’s performance. Special mention to all skiers/“chalet maids” and thanks to the AMSSC committee for
a fantastic exercise, and to the Ecole du Ski Francais instructors for their near infinite patience.
The Blue Ribbon Event, The Patrol Race,
RADC BULLETIN 2019 51