Page 25 - 2008 AMA Summer

lowed us. Here we managed to do just two races, but with each descent of the hill, our ability to stay on our feet, and com plete the course rocketed and confidence swelled.
Next stop Rjukan, Norway. Not the gorge of ‘Real Heroes of Telemark’ fame, but the event was held on top of one of the mountains that those brave Norwegian Commandos covered in their successful mission.
The first race, a GS was can­ celled due to poor weather and high winds, such a shame, as this is the place where it all started. The fol­ lowing day the winds died down and the Classic was on. The first fifteen ranked skiers get drawn together, and then the next fifteen followed by the rest of the field. So this season we were used to being drawn towards the back of the pack. “That’s ok, we will just have to change that for next season” In Norway and in Finland the lads put in some brave races and were placed just outside the top 20, with positions ranging from 21st - 30th out of a possible fifty. Although the Rjukan event was tele­ vised in Norway, it unfortu­ nately never made it to the big screen in the UK, we are hop­ ing that Ski Sunday will oblige next season.
The last destination was just inside the Arctic Circle. En- route to the final location in
Finland we actually drove past the home of Father Christmas. Sadly, he was too busy to compeer the prize giving so the village mayor stood in. Finland is awesome for on-site skiing, step out of the apartment and straight onto the slopes. The snow was in perfect condition due to the low temperatures and high precipitation. Again some great performances were produced by the GB team and it was exhilarating to be cheered on by the other teams, knowing, as they did, that we are all self-taught, self-funded and not from a winter sport country.
With the final race of the sea­ son being held in the USA and work and family commitments calling, this was the last race for most team members. Fortunately for me, there is a race being held in Hafjell, Lillehammer during my short work deployment to Norway this Spring...!
Over all this has been an amaz­ ing way to earn a British vest; a dream of mine since I first picked up a rugby ball aged eight. The whole Telemark race circuit was a great experience and one that I am looking for­ ward to next year.
Keep your eyes peeled for the advertising letters in Army publications for dates and applications for next year’s British Army Championships. There will be a
The author. Note the free heel of the Telemark binding
Working hard on the Pyra World Cup Run, in Finland.
team event as ^ * you fancy being a 1st team
well as individual races. We are hoping to entice the Royal Marines, Royal Navy and the RAF to make the 1st Inter- Services cham pionships. If you want to make history, be there.
The British team will also be holding a selection camp some time in June 2008, so if
member or part of the devel­ opment squad then come along and have a go and earn your GB vest.
For any further information contact me at JSMTW (I) Indefatigable. Mil: 95581 7916
Email: si-indefatigable@jsmtc.mod.uk
ARMY MOUNTAINEER 23