Page 48 - RADC 2016

Race ready
Ex Racing Ice
SSgt Slade-Jones RADC
After being part of The Army Winter Sports the previous year, I was well aware of the opportunities available for bobsleigh.
I initially registered my interest to attend Ex Racing Ice 1 in Igls, Austria. This allows you to learn the basics in 5 days which includes maintenance of the Bobs, how to manoeuvre them off ice, learning the track and how and when to steer the bob.
They are 2 man bobs and you take it
in turns to be pilot (driver) and brakeman. After only a few runs I knew immediately that brakeman did my nerves no good and I much prefer being in control of the Bob!
Ex Racing Ice does require a large personnel contribution, but support can be obtained from AMSSU, The Berlin Memorial Fund (but have to apply early) and the Army Sports Lottery. You can also have support from eCOPF funding, and T&S support.
You are also required to ensure you have adequate Ice Sports insurance, but there is advice when applying on how to get this. There are some basic items you must have such as a full face helmet and track spikes. You will also need gloves and old t-shirts/ tracksuits as they can get burnt and scuffed on the ice on the way down.
You also need to be t and robust as you are required to lift and move the Bobs which weigh approx.170Kgs on and off the trucks. After completing the runs down the ice in the bob, the drivers are required to run right back up to the start to get your de-brief from the coaches and get ready to go again....
46 RADC BULLETIN 2016
Downhill all the way
SPORT