The second set of races to happen since the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out racing after the 2020 English Alpine Championships saw teams head to the Ambition Championships at Reiteralm. The teamwork, camaraderie and desire to make things happen did not disappoint. Coaches as well as racers slid the courses so that all racers had the best of opportunities.
Zak Carrick-Smith took a commanding top spot in the U16 boys slalom with Samuel Dunn and Ian Menzies finishing second and third among the British racers (3rd and 7th overall) as the international competition provided stern competition. Carrick-Smith gave the rest of the field a lesson in the standard they need to reach.
Adam Orzel put in a fantastic performance to take the win in the Under 14 age group overall and placed fourth overall for good measure. Ryan Faber took second in the age group with Noah Kendal taking third place.
In the girl's races, Emily Turner was the class act as she won both runs ahead of Ffion Lewis and Olivia Howeson with Molly Butler just over a second off the leaders time. Hannah Skinner and Katie Saunders were also in the mix down the Hinterreit slope.
Isabella Sullivan carried on her good performances from the Evolution races in taking the Under 14 race win overall. Just 0.01 of a second separated Alice Beveridge and Lucy Howeson after the two runs.
With no racing last season, running both age groups to allow the younger age group to start out on their careers in making points.
Xavier Poynton posted the fastest time in the Under 12 boys age group ahead of Alexander Thomas and Sebastien Anthony. In the Under 10 race, Samuel Greenland took the race win ahead of Marcus Pop.
Lowri Howie continued her outstanding form from the Evolution races in winning the girls Under 12 race ahead of Lily Flitton and Lottie Whitmore. Sylvia Curtis took the Under 10 girls race ahead of Cecilia Hamer and Amelie Arnold.
With lots of racers making their debuts in ski racing this week, Uniq Snowsports have also carved out a niche for themselves in providing training and race support for young racers. Sadly one young racer, Monty Griffin from CDC who "skied off an ACL tear," reported the race organisers. All wish him well.
The hard work and dedication of the Ambition Racing crew got these races going and provided many of the racers with smiles and experience of racing again. Congrats all involved in getting the races up and running. These are different times but cooperation between racers, coaches and organisers as well as parents seem to be working.
Full results
Picture courtesy of Uniq Snowsports - making their debut in the races. For more information go to uniqsnowsports.com
Live timing from the racing is available at www.alpinetiming.com/AmbitionChamps