Page 40 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

L-R: CSjt Kent, 2Lt Clarke,
2Lt Coughlan, WO2 Parker, Cpl Harknett,
Rfn Bragg, 2Lt Brackwell, Sjt Senior
Riflemen from across the
battalion hit the slopes
of Val D‘Isere to take part
in the Infantry Alpine Ski Championships (Frosted
Blade), leaving Truro on the
27th December. Picking up
the rest of the eight members
of the battalion, we started our journey to Val D’Isère arriving late on the 28th Jan. After a free ski day to wake up the ski legs, the super eight broke down into two teams and started their race training package that was laid on by the Infantry Ski team. This honed the skills needed for each of the race disciplines that would be covered in race week.
New Year’s Eve was a quiet affair as Reserve teams were training on New Year’s Day due to catching up with their regular counterparts who had been in resort longer for training. Although there
was time for a cheeky Red Erik in Petit Danois Bar to toast in the new year!
For those who made the A Team they were able to use our new branded race suits that were purchased for the racing. Moving into race week there was a lot
of maintenance to carry out to the skis ensuring the edges were sharp and bases waxed to the right spec for the conditions we would be racing in. For some of the team it was the first time waxing a set of skis but all were keen to learn and by the end we were all proficient!
Race week went well, and it was the unit’s best year to date. Both teams
For some of the team it was the first time waxing a set of skis but all were keen to learn
competed well with awards for Junior and veteran categories including finishing 3rd Overall for Reserves and 8th overall in the competition. 6 RIFLES was the 2nd highest placed RIFLES unit with only 5 RIFLES nudging ahead.
Despite a few battle scars on both individuals and our skis, we are already looking forward to improving on our success on the next edition of Frosted Blade!
WO2 Robin Parker
D Coy, 6 RIFLES
The 6 RIFLES
medal haul!
40 RIFLES The Bugle
6 RIFLES
HIT THE SLOPES