Page 22 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

ALPINE SKIING –
Ex ALPINE PENTLAND BUGLE 19
3 RIFLES Alpine team made a return to the slopes after a hiatus due to operational commitments. The inexperienced but enthusiastic racers threw themselves into the high tempo race training given by professional French instructors on Olympic level pistes.
Furthermore, at both the Infantry Championships and the Army-Semi Finals, 3 RIFLES members were awarded both coveted ‘Crash of the Exercise’ prizes, showing that the Riflemen were certainly not lacking zeal as they committed everything to the racing.
SNOWBOARDING
3rd Battalion The Rifles fielded their first ever snowboarding team at Exercise Snow Lion 2020. Training in Flachau, Austria, the team of 6 from across the battalion were given 2 weeks of instruction before a week of competition against Snowboarders from across the army. The group had experience levels varying from the current Infantry Snow- boarding Champion (Rfn Goudie) to those who had never touched a board before. However, no matter the experience levels, the training provided by a great team of both British Army and Local instructors, made the exercise challenging but incredibly rewarding throughout. By the end of the exercise, everyone involved walked away with
a passion for a great sport and respect for what is a fantastic community within the army. The team won multiple medals in several disciplines, including Slalom, boardercross and slopestyle.
Lt James, OC 3 Platoon, A Company
‘The snowboarding AT was brilliant, the best trip I’ve been on in the army and have gained a passion for a new sport! Eager to do it again and progress my
Rfn Kavanagh, FSP Company, Sniper Platoon
riding further.’
Not falling over,
just having a sit down
Rfn Smith impressing with his
cross-country skiing skills in Bessans, France
Ex NORDIC PENTLAND BUGLE 19
This season 3 RIFLES once again proved its Riflemen had the grit, determination and physical endurance to deliver another exceptional Nordic skiing performance. The unique requirements for team members
to demonstrate endurance athleticism and shooting ability in arduous conditions makes it the ultimate infantry sport.
As part of their preparations the team focused on fitness and marksmanship, before travelling to the Infantry training camp in Idre Fjall, Sweden. Here they trained for three weeks in International standard facilities under Olympic coaches – an unforgettable opportunity.
Following a well-deserved Christmas stand down, the team drove out to France to
compete in both the Infantry Championships and the Army Qualifying Championships. The final event was the Military Patrol Race; this 20km race takes the sport back to its origins and requires a team of four to conduct a ski patrol around unfamiliar tracks. Teams are scored on race time, tasks at check points and on their marksmanship with the L85(A3). 3 RIFLES won this race, an excellent achieve- ment for a relatively junior team.
Having now qualified for the Army Championships in four consecutive seasons, the team headed to Ruhpolding, Germany
for two more weeks of interna- tional standard racing. Exceptional dedication and commitment by
all members of the team meant
3 RIFLES finished 14th – no small feat considering the competition serves not only as the Army Championships, but also as the Tri-Service and British Championships. Of particular mention is LCpl Horbury whose performance earned him an invitation to the British Biathlon Union Development camp.
After another successful season, the team is already looking forward to their next challenge in 2020/21.
22 RIFLES The Bugle