Hi Guys – Quick update from euro-land. The last week has been very challenging on a number of fronts (race entries, weather, cancelled races) but we are managing to make the most of the situation and getting some great training opportunities a long the way. Day 1 brought us to Hinterreit, Austria. Famous training ground for the Austrian Ski Team and home of Marlies Schild. We joined the American Europa Cup squad for a giant slalom and slalom session before heading off to Innsbruck for Europa Cup DH (Thanks Forest & Tommy). Upon arriving Innsbruck we were met with warm weather, overcast skies, and heavy rain. Day 2 was an abbreviated day of DH training on a super fast, big air course. The boys held their own, although a bit timid on all of the new features. After the training run we joined the Germans for slalom training. Day 3 partial training run followed by a race run. Warm and bumpy was an understatement as the boys survived a hellish ride down their first Europa Cup speed event. We joined the Bulgarians for slalom training after. Day 4 RAIN-CANCELLED. Day 5 RAIN-CANCELLED travel to Germany for 2 FIS SL starts. I think you guys saw the video on this one (dykster.com). Day 6 CANCELLED. Day 7 back to Hinterreit for a day of GS training with the GMVS crew (Thanks Mike). Travel south in Austria near the border of Slovenia for SL & GS FIS Uni Races. Day 8 Leduc & Werry in position to score big after first run. Both screw up huge in my section where I gave the course report. All 4 guys struggled in this turn. *NOTE TO SELF* No more course reports! Slalom training with the Russians after the race (Thanks Martin). Night of day 8. Motivational dinner with the boys. If you want it bad enough – accept the challenge and fight to the bitter end. Day 9 – hopefully better news to report after tomorrow’s race.
It has been a great learning experience for the boys. They have trained at the best resort in Austria and have been exposed to numerous National Teams. If you believe, it will happen – I DO!
Over and out from Austria,
Dykster
Toughest sport in the world and that’s before you even consider all the challenges we routinely run into along the way. The guys who end up winning are absolutely bullet-proof tough.