If ever the determination to run a race was shown then the Scottish FIS Slalom Championship races should have been awarded a prize. From a slope hardly existing to what one British Team coach described as 'better than most Europa Cup slopes last season,' this was determination to have a race at its best. And the performances of two of Britain's best Slalom racers gave the slope the performances it deserved! Two races on one slope on the same day and Charlie Guest, British Slalom Champion and Olympian, won both female races while Laurie Taylor, Olympian and top 45 in the World for next season, won both men's races.
Not only was the slope in pristine condition but the famed wind, fog and poor weather failed to make its customary and reputed appearance. Someone had certainly had a word with the weather Gods!
With an increased number of starters for the weekend race, some of Britain and Scotland's finest were on the White Lady slope to battle it out on the last day of FIS racing for the British calendar for the season. Charlie and Kirsty Guest added to the women's start list while Laurie Taylor and Owen Vinter joined the start list among others on the men's start list, adding to the competition.
Race one saw a commanding win for Charlie Guest ahead of her sister Kirsty with Nicole Ritchie taking third place. Hannah Gray took the best Under 18 place in fourth ahead of Megan Clark.
Race two saw Charlie Guest again showing her class in winning the race but with Ritchie in second and Megan Clark in third after Kirsty Guest crashed out on the first run and Hannah Gray making a mistake on the second.
In the men's races Taylor produced a performance on the first run that he described 'that was for me!' He was almost four seconds in front of the rest of the field, some may have been struggling with the unusual conditions for Scotland! On run two, in sight of the finish Taylor inexplicably slid off the course and had to hike but still had enough to take the race win ahead of Fraser Middleton and Thomas Cherry. Scott Waitt was the best of the Under 18 racers in 7th place.
Race two saw a determined Iain Innes attack to finish just 0.18 behind Taylor with Thomas Cherry making another impressive performance to take third. Rory Farren and Zak Vinter rounded out the top five with Owen Vinter in sixth and taking the prize for the best Under 18 racer.
With handshakes and hugs the season drew to a close on the snow for the FIS racers. The dry mat season has already started and time to rest and recharge the batteries is now the order of the day.
Pictures from the Scottish FIS races and other races from the winter are now available
Full results are on the FIS page - https://data.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing/results.html
Thank you all for the help and friendliness around the mountains this winter. Till our paths cross again!