Event News

The result is Drake’s best to date, and he only narrowly missed out on a top ten finish by 0.05 seconds.

He improved upon his previous best performance by 12 places, and it means that his qualification for the Winter Olympic Games 2010 should be confirmed later this month, when the British Olympic Association publish their qualification standards for Vancouver.

British Alpine Ski Team coach, Reini Fernsebner commented, “Ed had an excellent run yesterday - he charged the whole race.”

Conditions were good with sunny blue skies overhead, - 5°C and a fresh layer of snow on a hard packed base.  It was a big field with some strong racers.  The result is Ed’s best to date and scores him some good Europa Cup points - a great result!”

Ed commented “it’s the best possible start to the season I could have hoped for and it gives me an excellent platform for better results throughout the season”.  

Also competing in Reiteralm were Douglas Crawford, 21, who finished in 59th position ahead of TJ Baldwin, 18, who came 79th, and Peter Whelan, 19, who came 93rd.  This was the first time TJ and Pete have raced at Europa Cup level and the results are positive starts for both athletes.

Ed has not had a moment to relax since his great result in Austria and has continued his run of good form in the Nor-Am Cup this week in Lake Louise, Alberta. He has had two downhill races so far and has placed 13th and 7th and is full of confidence ahead of todays super G.

Ed will continue training and competing in North America in the run up to Christmas and return to the Europa Cup circuit in January.