Telluride Ski Resort Hosts US Snowboard Team
Ski and snowboard cross training throughout week of Dec. 8th
Telluride, Co – U.S. Snowboarding and ski cross athletes are in Telluride this week for 2008-2009 World Cup tour training.
Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott, Olympic silver medalist Lindsey Jacobellis, X-Games champion and four-time Olympian Casey Puckett, and World Cup icon and X Games champion Daron Rahlves will be on hand for training over the week. Other competitors honing their skills include four-time X Games gold medalist Nate Holland, Jeep King of the Mountain champion and snowboarding legend Shaun Palmer, and World Cup winners Nick Baumgartner and Graham Watanabe.
“This training will be absolutely invaluable to our athletes as they prepare for the World Cup,” said Calum Clark, USSA Vice President of Events. “Telluride’s support, professionalism and enthusiasm in putting together the venue will give our national teams an advantage in the upcoming tour events.”
The cross events incorporate a variety of jumps, banking turns and rollers for groups of four skiers or riders to race through at one time. Strength and endurance play a significant role in this type of competition along with the technical ability to maneuver through the course with three other competitors.
The training takes place on Misty Maiden off of the Village Express (Lift 4), and will be easily viewable for the public. Various course setups will help the athletes refine their skills and gain confidence racing head-to-head before heading off to live competition.
“We are thrilled to have US Snowboarding and ski cross athletes here in Telluride, and to be able to support these world-class competitors as they prepare to represent our country on the World Cup Tour and in the upcoming Olympics,” said Telluride Ski Resort CEO Dave Riley.
Snowboard cross had its Olympic premiere at the 2006 games in Torino, Italy. Ski cross will debut at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
On Friday, Dec.12, all athletes will be available at the Grand Opening of the Hop Garden in Mountain Village from 3 - 5 p.m. A meet and greet for the public, poster signings, press interviews, food and drink specials along with live music are hosted by Telluride Ski Resort. Press will have an opportunity for interviews and photographs during the event.
This US team training session is an initial step towards becoming a World Cup event location. Telluride has been asked to present a proposal to host a World Cup ski and snowboard cross event in 2009-2010, and possibly become regular stop on the World Cup tour.
“With the combination of a great racing venue, outstanding community support and one of the finest ski resorts in the country, Telluride provides an excellent location for ski and snowboard cross events,” said Scott McQuade, CEO of the Telluride Tourism Board. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the USSA and becoming a possible World Cup event site.”