The Dreadnaught ROC (the Kimberley Disabled Skiers Association) successfully staged the FIS Speed camp and races, along with the highly anticipated night slalom, from January 22-31. As with many events in January throughout British Columbia, the severe cold weather before the start of the series severely compressed the schedule for the construction of the speed track. However, through the hard work of its volunteers with support from coaches attending from across Canada (which represented 5 countries) the track was ready for the training camp and ensuing downhills.
As the Dreadnaught FIS Speed Series is the only downhill event at this level in Canada this year, the attendees experienced an amazing progression of speed skills through the series, with notable improvements and achievements. The track gave them lots of challenges and thrills with speeds approaching 120 km/h, and several “air” opportunities at the Rat Can jump, Suck bump “double camels” and the newly minted Air Canada off Canada Way. Gliding skills were honed on the bumpy features in Simms and chances to attack through Lloyds and Blairs pitches.
As always, the night slalom after the day’s downhill race was thrilling, as both genders attacked the course under the lights of the Main slope, resulting in many positive results for the racers. Unfortunately, warmer weather deteriorated the upper Dreadnaught track after the downhill series, preventing the staging of the SG races. In its place a slalom was run on the lower Dreadnaught, which presented a very challenging track (last used in Canadian Nationals in 2023). As with the night slalom, the athletes charged down the track and again achieved excellent results. Many smiles were generated on everyone’s faces as a result of this amazing event (check out the video link below😃).
Thanks for everyone’s support during the race, and special kudos to the Dreadnaught crew, BC Alpine, the City of Kimberley, and RCR Resorts as the gracious site hosts for this and many other races series and camps this year at the Dreadnaught facility.
~ Report submitted by Gord Reese, Chief of Race, Kootenay Zone Chair
