Team GB’s 2015 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF 2015) concluded with today’s alpine skiing mixed team event as co-hosts Austria ended GB hopes in the first round.
The team had qualified for the event after being inside the top 16 skiing squads this week, but were drawn against a strong Austrian quartet as two girls and two boys raced head-to-head in four races on the giant slalom course.
With many of Team GB on the mountain to support, Anna Henderson, Jess Anderson, Euan Kick and final Robert Poth all raced well but fell short in each race against the much fancied Austrians.
Henderson, who raced first for Team GB, was experiencing the team event for the first and hugely enjoyed her debut in the head-to-head action.
“The team event has definitely been the highlight of my week,” said Henderson.
“The race today was so much fun compared to what I am used to. It was good to have a change and a race against the other guys, it was just a shame we were against Austria.
“Everyone was really pumped at the top so I just went for it and tried my best. We were about level until the fourth gate and then she just went.”
Kick, who has previous experience in the event, was in reflective mood after pushing his Fabian Gstrein all the way to the line and knows how important EYOF 2015 has been in his development.
“I know Fabio from previous races and I really wanted to beat him. I kept up with him for about three quarters and then unfortunately went a bit too straight and skied out,” said Kick.
“I have really enjoyed the experience this week. Hopefully competing against these guys will help me take it to the next level because I know what I need to work on now. It has been a great learning experience for me.”