Wycombe Abbey Skiers Race in the British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races in Flaine, France
13 February 2023 - All
At the end of January, a team of eight ski racers competed in the British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races in Flaine, France. It was an action-packed trip with two training days ahead of two race days where the girls competed in Slalom, Giant Slalom and Parallel Slalom events.
There were standout performances from Lucy (UIV) who was the first unregistered racer in the U14 category for both Giant Slalom and Slalom events, placing within the top 30 out of 110 competitors in both disciplines.
Annabelle (LV) was the second unregistered U16 racer in the Giant Slalom, a brilliant result when competing against top skiers who compete on the international circuit. Annabelle, as well as Zoe (LVI) and Adela (UV) were top 20 age group finishers for both Giant Slalom and Slalom which are statistics to be proud of.
A special mention to Lucy, our youngest skier who was 5th in the U14 age group for both the Slalom and Giant Slalom events and the 1st unregistered U14 racer.
Many of the team are new to racing and the trip was a great experience for them to test their skills and to build confidence. I, along with Mr Stiglitz who accompanied the trip, are proud of them all and worked hard to keep up with them on the slopes, particularly the black mogul runs! We look forward to seeing how the team develops next season. Well done girls.
Read below for what happened each day on the slopes.
Day 1 – Saturday 28 January
We soared above the clouds on day one of training in preparation for the British Schoolgirls Ski Races. The team spent the morning testing out a range of red and blue runs with coach Herve before pausing for hot chocolates to top up energy levels. The rest of the day was spent on the competitive Giant Slalom course to come familiar with the run.
Day 2 – Sunday 29 January
Day two of training saw the team test themselves on black mogul runs at the top of the mountain before spending time on the Slalom course. Runs were timed and technique perfected to prepare for races. Lunch on the slopes with Tudor Hall School was a great break and chance to chat to other competitors. The evening saw the official welcome event for the competition with a briefing ready for the racing to begin.
Day 3 – Monday 30 January
The British Schoolgirls’ Races began with Giant Slalom and Parallel Slalom. Great efforts from the whole team: Lucy, Annabelle, Zoe, Adela, Anisiya, Colette, Maddie and Annamaria. For many, it was their first experience of racing but for others, there was plenty of high-level competition against GB skiers.
Day 4 – Tuesday 31 January
Ski races are complete for another season after the Slalom event concluded the competition. It’s been a fun few days on the slopes of Flaine where the girls have tested themselves individually and gained lots of experience as a team. Thanks to the competition organisers and Flaine resort for hosting a great event and we look forward to returning in 2024!
Miss Hannah Lowther
Head of Co-Curricular Activities and Trips
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