Canadian Alpine Ski Team to race in red and silver at Hahnenkamm
downhill
Sponsor Audi Canada set to unveil special edition speed suits
Canadian Alpine Ski Team racers will tackle the legendary Hahnenkamm
downhill on Saturday in special-edition red and silver speed suits
designed by sponsor Audi Canada.
Representatives from the Ajax,
Ont.-based company were given the opportunity to create a unique
look for world downhill champion Erik Guay and his teammates to wear
in Kitzbühel, Austria, one of the most prestigious races on the
World Cup circuit.
The classic-looking design, which features a Maple Leaf, uses
eye-catching red and silver colours instead of the traditional
alpine yellow. Red and silver are part of Audi’s colour scheme and
they are the featured colours for the Audi
FIS Ski World Cup.
“They put a lot of thought into the design and integrated their
colours, but also the Canadian Maple Leaf. I like it,” said Guay, of
Mont-Tremblant, Que. “This is a great idea and a cool way to promote
our sponsors.”
Yoeri Geerits, Alpine Canada’s vice-president of marketing and
partnerships, said the unique design – which will only be worn for
the famous Hahnenkamm downhill – has generated extremely positive
feedback from coaches and athletes.
“This is the first time Alpine Canada’s athletes have worn a custom
race suit designed by a sponsor,” Geerits said. “We’re delighted
that Audi Canada opted to unveil the suit in Kitzbühel, home to one
of the world’s most famous and iconic ski races. Athletes and
coaches love the design and the idea of a custom-made suit for this
very special race.”
Jan Hudec, of Calgary, Alta., is preparing to race in his first ever
Hahnenkamm downhill this weekend. Although he made his World Cup
debut in 2002, injuries, race cancellations and other circumstances
have prevented him from testing his skills on what is considered the
most challenging track on the World Cup circuit.
Ben Thomsen, of Invermere, B.C., who took his first run down
Kitzbühel’s famous Streif course last year, said the new suits,
“make this special event even more special.”
“We are delighted about the Canadian team’s idea to show its
association with Audi through this unusual promotion,” said Mike
Briscoe, Audi Canada’s director of marketing and product management.
“The race suits in the Audi colours of red and silver will raise
many eyebrows on the Streif. The weekend in Kitzbühel is one of the
most important sport events for Audi – and now a genuine highlight
richer.”
Custom-made suits will be designed for two other World Cup races
this season. KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines, another of Alpine Canada’s
key sponsors, will unveil a speed suit at the races in Chamonix,
France. Canada’s racers will also wear a suit designed by Osisko
Mining Corporation in the men’s downhill at the World Cup finals in
Schladming, Austria, on March 14.
