26th March 2008
Speed Skiing season finals underway in Verbier (SUI)

The finals in Speed Skiing, the only FIS World Cup circuit of the2007/08 season still in progress, are underway at Verbier (SUI). The ski run of the Mont-Fort there is as important to this discipline as the Streif in Kitzbühel is for Alpine Skiing, or Monaco for Formula 1: one of the most spectacular events of the season for the world's fastest skiers.

Unfortunately the second event scheduled in Sweden in early April had to be cancelled. Then, the following weekend, a lack of snow forced the rescheduling of the events planned for Cervinia (ITA) to Verbier yet still under the control of the Cervinia OC, which clearly demonstrates the high degree of cooperation on the Speed Skiing circuit.

As the finals are about to begin, on the top of the ranking for the Ladies events, Sanna Tidstrand (SWE) is just holding off Karine Debuchet (FRA), who has come back to the circuit after a number of years away. Sanna has been consistently stronger, but Karine is nearer her home territory, so all is left to play for. Of course, Tracey Sach's (USA) absence through knee injury also opens the competition.

In the men's event, the Origone brothers (ITA) are all-powerful, and Ivan has not only beaten his elder brother in every event, but has won every event outright! Short of a major calamity, Ivan looks set for the title, with Simone on the 2nd step. In 3rd place, Philippe May (SUI) is most likely, although in front of his home crowd, he might pull out the stops to take a higher place for the individual races, even if the overall globe is just out of his reach.

Finally, there is a keen competition among the downhill class skiers, with Marc Poncin (GBR) 15 points ahead of Jimmy Montes (FRA). Because of the lower points available to racers in this class, it is difficult for Jimmy to pull up, but he should be assured of the prize as the best-placed junior racer. Clearly, exciting times are ahead - the result will be known on 17th April.

For more information, visit http://www.xspeedski.net/.

Contributed by Dick Tapley