Rob Poth ended the 2018-2019 on a huge high as he scooped the British Slalom National Championship title in Tignes. Hard work, perseverance and not giving up when the going got tough on the course, meant that when he got to the finish, his time was best of the British racers and his name would join the likes of Alain Baxter, Noel Baxter, Dave Ryding as British Slalom Champion. Come the new season and Poth was moved up to race on the Europa Cup team. A big step up from racing on CIT and FIS races but moving in the direction that he needs to be taking if he is to achieve his ambitions in the sport.
With an older brother coaching with the Kandahar Racing set up, Poth is not averse to helping out with the coaching of the next generation racers. This passing of experience to the younger racers is great to see and is also building a small fan base for him.
The 22 year old from Potters Bar is currently ranked at 355 on the World Rankings in Slalom. Four top ten results in FIS slaloms last season including making the podium in Krvavec in February put a rosy complexion on the season. While the season ended for him nursing an injury, this has been a positive season for him.
How much of a shock was it that the season ended the way it did? "It was quite a shock, however as always health comes first. For me it just so happened that three days before we were told to come home and the season was terminated, I took a couple crashes racing in Austria and Slovenia. The second crash involving injuring my pelvis/S1. Luckily all scans came back clear however there was noticeable bruising and stiffness, I came home to recover and thanks to my great TASS support I was able to get a quick rehab programme from Performance Herts/Bodybalance Physiotherapy."
Was it a mad panic and dash to get home once the call to abandon the season was made? "It was in fact the morning of the day it was announced that I flew home to rest/recover from my injury. Pretty much as soon as I walked through the door at home I had a call saying that everyone was ordered to come home. Thanks to the lads still in Austria they were kindly able to pack my bags for me over FaceTime and somehow get them back home for me!
Did Poth feel that he was building up to a series of strong results or happy with the way his points finished up? With the small matter of going back to Tignes to defend his British Slalom title as well on the horizon. "There were a few moments in the season where I felt I was skiing some of my best slalom I’d ever done. As always training is one thing and racing is another, personally I feel I’m usually a good racer however this year I felt it was always up and down whether that be in training and racing. Results wise I didn’t feel I had anything to shout about, but it brings positives for me when I look and see I practically matched last seasons results in slalom whilst not being fully satisfied with my racing."
Now that the season is over, how is Poth preparing for the next season in terms of fitness and looking after his sponsors and supporters? "I was super grateful for the support I receive off TASS. With this I was able to be back fully fit in around 4weeks after my injury. With this amount of time off it was enough for me to relax, unwind and reflect on the past season before getting straight back in to S&C."
Which was the race that gave him the most amount of satisfaction last season? "I wouldn’t say there was a stand out race for me, but there were a couple races in Rogla and Krvavec where I stood in good positions after the first run. I was amongst the top three in a strong FIS race which gave me confidence, however I couldn’t quite replicate that performance so dropped back a few places. Every days another lesson and new experience," he explained.
Did he meet the goals he set for homself at the beginning of the season? "It terms of points wise, no. But this hasn’t put my season on a downer. There was a big step up with competing in many more ECs in SL and GS from the start. It’s definitely shown me the level and quality of skiing that needs to be reached day in day out. I think this was my first season ever that my world rankings stayed quite similar, or went up. But that hasn’t affected me as I’ve never had a season where I’ve learnt so much." Poth took part in five Europa Cup races this season, three slaloms and two Giant Slaloms but failed to make the second run qualification in any.
Who has been his biggest supporter this season? "The support I’ve received off TASS and Kandahar has been amazing for me this year and hopefully long may it continue." Alongside the support from TASS and Kandahar, Poth has had support from Fischer and Briko. This goes alongside the tremendous support from his family.
Regarding his association with Briko, Poth explains: "With Briko it’s always been the fit with their helmets, they’ve suited me well for the past 4 years and continue to do so. Wellsnowsports and Briko have fortunately been able to help me out in this period providing me with the best kit and quick service if ever I need anything!
"It’d be nice if they could make limited edition Briko GBR Helmets for Britain, just like they do for the US, French, Italian, Chinese teams.. if any Briko designers need any ideas I’m sure there would be a market for that."
When asked how British winter events could improve, Poth was very positive about his experiences at British events: "Overall I’ve always enjoyed competing in the British events. There has been the odd thing in the past whether that be long race days or whatever, but that to me is all part of racing and the sport, you can get that everywhere you go. I always loved competing in Bormio at the English Champs and I haven’t had the pleasure of going back there the past couple years mainly due to the fact I’m not a junior now and can only have two tech starts, plus I’ve been based in Schladming with the British EC team so it’s a long travel. It would be cool if the races there could become all FIS or National champs and this might give more incentive for people to travel there. I’m no FIS expert though so I don’t know if that’s possible or not but it could be worth a think."
What are his plans for the future? "My sights are set on the next World Alpine Champs 2021 and 2022 Olympics. They are the ultimate goals and I feel I’m within reach. With the shortened season this year it’s given me even more of a motive to prepare and get into the best physical shape possible... until whenever skiing can continue."
How is he looking after his mental health in this time of isolation? "All in all quite well, there’s been many periods of boredom however it’s made me do things I may have neglected slightly in the past. Doing all my S&C work at home, it’s meant that I’ve needed to become more creative with my Performance Herts coaches which has actually been quite fun. I’ve also taken up playing the Ukulele. A few YouTube vids later and I’ve kind of grasped the basics, my plans to bring my tekkers eventually on to the Guitar."
Robert Poth is certainly one of the next generation of British racers that is pushing the bar higher. While the likes of Laurie Taylor and Zak Vinter are pushing Dave Ryding to improve, Poth is battling away to follow them up the World rankings.
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