Page 32 - Mercian Eagle 2014

was set up. The previous GS training did not stand the team in good stead for slalom training, as the technique is also very different. The training initially began with a full size slalom course, when it may have been more beneficial to start with a few stubby gates and then work our way up to the larger gates in greater numbers.
On 30 Dec we did a half day of speed training on the Tignes Stade, on a relatively easy Super G course. This was useful but another day of it would have been even more beneficial. The first day of racing was on 2 Jan, which was the GS seeding race and then the 3 Jan was the GS race. Due to a couple of extra teams arriving, our seeding values increased, as some of these teams had some very experienced racers. 4 Jan was a ski prep day prior to the full race week commencing, and then 5 Jan was a half day slalom training. Having had a week off from slalom this was a useful day in order to get our eye back in.
The Super G race was on Monday 6 Jan, with all racers bar one completing the single run. LCpl Kelly had a major crash about midway through the course and was lucky not to sustain an injury.
Back-protectors are a must for any future team. From the downhill race the following day it was observed that there was a lack of experience within the team of turning whilst tucked up, also known as the choux position. Teams should practice this in the initial two weeks, during their allotted free ski time. The slalom race went relatively well for 1 MERCIAN, but more practice in the months prior to deployment can only develop the team further. Leg strength training in camp prior to deployment would also allow the team to use the initial training to its fullest.
The 3 MERCIAN Ski team on a training session on top of Tynes Glacier when the weather came in. From the left Pte Jamaine Thomas, Pte Paul Etherington,
Pte Nick Horvath and Lt Christopher Bermingham.
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EX ALPINE ENDURANCE – SWISS ALPINE ULTRA MARATHON, SAT 26 JUL 14
On Sat 26 Jul 14 six members of The Mercian Regiment took part in the Swiss Alpine Ultra Marathon, a 79 km race and
at altitude in the mountains surrounding Davos. As part of the preparation for the event we had done the Brathay Windermere Marathon in May, and as the main event drew nearer there were a few nerves about whether we would get round the course and whose idea it was in the first place
to be doing such a ridiculously long race. These nerves weren’t quelled on arrival when we saw the mountains we would be going over. In true British Army spirit, the smokers in the group felt better after a few cigarettes, much to the amusement of the hardened runners we were amongst from all over the world.
Race day itself started early at 0700, misty and wet but not too cold. We had 14 hours to complete the race, ample time we thought. It was already raining when we set off, and a steady drizzle fell on us all day. This was okay on the bottom, but up at the glacier it was a little chilly, especially when we were only wearing our yellow Mercian singlets! Although we all tried to stay together we split up almost from the start as we settled into our individual rhythms. With feed stations scattered throughout the route we never went hungry, but it was an epic race which I am delighted to say we all
L-R: Cpl Dipak Rai, LCpl Bill Kelly, Maj Rich Grover, Pte David Billingham, Pte Tom Keenan and Sgt Chis Wightman. Race complete, medals out!
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
completed. Only two of the six had ever run a marathon before. The first to come in was Cpl Dipak Rai (10hrs 15), followed by Maj Rich Grover (11:57), Pte David Billingham (12:49), LCpl Bill Kelly (13:25), Pte Tom Keenan (13:27) and Sgt Chris Wightman (13:31).
A brilliant experience for all which was well worth the effort to get there. The four
days spent travelling and acclimatising outside of the race were a worthwhile investment, and a perfectly pleasant way to spend work time. All in all a super effort all round, matched by the fundraising for the Mercian Benevolent Charity which managed to reach a mighty £2700. Same again next year chaps!