Cutting Edge from SnowsportGB
The Challenge of the Hahnenkamm
 This
weekend sees Kitzbühel hosting the Alpine Skiing World
Cup tour. The most famous slope on the tour - the Hahnenkamm,
is considered one of the most demanding courses in the Alpine
Skiing World Cup.
Since 1967, the Hahnenkamm has been one of the highlights
of the World Cup calendar. After last year's unfortunate cancellation
due to lack of snow, the organisers are hoping for a fantastic
weekend of skiing, with forecasts predicting perfect racing
conditions.
The programme for the competition sees the Super G on the
Friday, the Downhill on the Saturday and both Slalom heats
on the Sunday. Prize money this year totals over £400,000.
Mark Tilston, head coach for the World Cup team gives his
thoughts on the event:
"Kitzbühel is for good reason reputedly the toughest
race of the circuit...."
New Year Competitions Kick Off!
 Last
Saturday, Chemmy Alcott, Britain's top female ski racer equalled
her best World Cup Giant Slalom finish this year by coming
16th at Maribor, Slovenia held on 12th-13th January. Alcott
finished 18th in the first run and 11th equal in the second,
resulting in an overall placing of 16th.
On return to the season after a broken ankle, Finlay Mickel
had set himself the challenge of taking on the two hardest
courses of the season. He took part in the FIS World Cup meet
in Wengen, Switzerland from 9th-13th January, finishing 46th
in the Downhill. Finlay will be sure to improve his performance
for his next race - the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel, one
of the most testing runs in the world.
Meanwhile, returning to action for the first time since November
due to injury, Ed Drake finished 51st in his first ever Europa
Cup race in Hinterstuder, Austria. Pam Thorburn also had cause
to celebrate, finishing 14th in the FIS Slalom in Arber, Germany.
Noel Baxter takes on the Italians
 Following
a successful comeback after injury, Noel Baxter was invited
to take part in the prestigious Parellelo Dante or Christmas
Parallel in Pila, Italy in 23rd December.
The professional race, in its 20th year, brings together
the top Italian skiers and a select group of international
racers. Shown live on Italian TV this International Dual Slalom
sees the skiers race head to head in direct competition. Past
winners include skiing legends Alberta Tomba, Giorgio Rocca
and Massimiliano Blardone.
Davide Simoncelli was the top seed at this year's race who
Noel met in the quarter finals and duly knocked out. Noel
then met Giuliano Razzoli, who finished 14th at this years
World Cup Slalom in Adelboden. They were neck and neck in
the semi-final until a small error from Noel gave the race
to Razzoli.
Razzoli went on to win the competition, with Christain Simari-Brikner
finishing second and Noel Baxter in third place.
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