Yesterday saw significant results in Calgary, Canada at the FIS Freestyle World Cup for British Halfpipe skiers Rowan Cheshire, Emma Lonsdale, Murray Buchan and James Machon.
In the women’s competition Rowan Cheshire finished in 5th place and Emma Lonsdale in 9th, both making it through to today’s finals. Both have now met the Olympic Qualifying Standard, but it will remain to be seen whether there is a Sochi 2014 quota spot for both of them. They will find out on 22nd January.
For the men, Murray Buchan had his best ever finish in a World Cup, placing in 13th, just missing out on the final. James Machon was just behind him finishing 16th. Both results have boosted their chances of making Sochi 2014, with both athletes having now met the Olympic Qualifying Standard. They will also know on 22nd January whether they will also have a quota spot for the Games.
This weekend sees Mogul skiers Ellie Koyander and Max Willis also compete in the FIS Freestyle World Cup in Calgary with both the men’s and women’s competitions taking place tomorrow, Saturday 4th January.
The Tour de Ski (the annual event where rounds of the Cross Country World Cup are linked together) continues in Cortina-Toblach today and then on to Val di Fiemme for the weekend. Andrew Musgrave starts today’s Pursuit race in start bib 54. He will then continue on into tomorrow’s race, a Classic Ski and Sunday’s 9km Pursuit as he tries to improve his overall standings.
In Alpine Skiing, Dave Ryding will compete in the Europa Cup in Chamonix today and tomorrow, alongside Jai Geyer. After his recent Europa Cup success, Ryding will look to continue his strong performances in the Slalom. He then may go on to compete in the Slalom in the Alpine World Cup in Bormio on 6th January.
For full profiles of all British Ski and Snowboard athletes visit www.teambss.org.uk or the Ski Club of Great Britain website www.skiclub.co.uk/britisheliteathletes. For all FIS schedules and results visit www.fis-ski.com.