Page 83 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
A familiar sight – LCpl Gordon and Tpr Gaillie neck and neck
were novices, yet by week three the groups had merged, with each skier coming on leaps and bounds in both disciplines.
The training programme consisted of 3 ses- sions a day, starting with a pre-breakfast run and stretching session before a day of either Classic Nordic Training or Skate Biathlon Training. The latter incorporates dry rifle drills, building up prone and standing posi- tions; holding those positions for minutes at a time; taking those skills down range and adding in the difficulty of a cross coun- try world cup track. A true test of military skill. The sessions were supplemented by weekly gym sessions focussing on Nordic related exercises. Evenings were well spent in the hotel pool or sauna, unwinding after demanding days on snow.
LCpl Gordon in a strong race rhythm
During the programme, Nordic Lifestyles put on 4 races for the Light Dragoons, Royal Lancers and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, also in attendance. Top per- formances from across the disciplines include:
Individual Cross Country
LCpl Gordon, A Sqn, 1st LD, 2nd Overall. Capt Addison, C Sqn, 2nd LD, 3rd Overall. Lt Ellis, B SQN, 3rd LD, 4th Overall.
Patrol Race: 11 LDs competed
Result: 2nd Overall
Run time: 3 hours 22 minutes.
3KM Sprint Cross Country Relay Team
A Team - 1st out of 6 Teams - Ellis, Addison, Gordon, Gallie
B Team - 2nd out of 6 Teams - Battle, Munt, Salt, Oughtred
C Team - 4th out of 6 Teams - Bailey, Keaton, Smith, Owens
Biathlon 7.5km Race
Capt Addison, C Sqn, 1st LD, 3rd Overall LCpl Gordon, A Sqn, 2nd LD, 4th Overall LCpl Battle, C Sqn, 3rd LD, 5th Overall
The training was supplemented with some great extracurricular activities, including local hikes, alpine skiing and snowboard- ing, tobogganing and an evening adven- ture husky riding.
The team went home for a well-earned Christmas break, in good form to be com- petitive at the divisional champs in Les Contamines, France. Unfortunately, these were cancelled due to Covid. The team instead look forward to next season, build- ing on skills and fitness gained while train- ing in Beitostolen.
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An experienced LCpl Battle leads 2 Royal Lancers
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