KMS Men's Alpine Team

Jerzens-Hochzeiger; this small little resort about 23 km down the valley from the glacier of Pitztal,has a quality race hill on it. Home of the famous Benni Raich, and it certainly shows why/ how he has become such a perfectionist as ski technique goes.

It's probably not a mistake that each of the 40 direction changes are set on just a little bit different piece of terrain. I termed it as a cross between Whiteface and Middlebury, if there is such a thing. Falling out of the start reminded me of the first 10-12 gates at Whiteface and from there on it continues to move, roll, break, pulling you hard first on the right foot and then on the left and finally over two rollers at the bottom leading into the finish.

The boys did a fair job today. Yes, I am being critical, but I am their coach. I am always asking for more. Aggressiveness was definitely up from our last race. That I was pleased about. With that increase in intensity we became a little ragged around the edges. Which is not bad, but you still have to remember to ski. Partly due to the tough hill the crew had some technical breakdowns that maybe would have stayed hidden on any easier piste.

After first run, Kyle was in 53rd and Cam in 72nd. Mike had some bad luck on run one in the key section as the trail breaks over a sharp roll and Mike not carrying enough direction had some issues three gates later.

Second run was a rhythm changing specialty; 22-24m up top, with a few changes to 26, then back to 23 and quite across the hill. All who happened to be left from run one had issues in the same spot. Skiing clean was not in the cards today.

Cam and Kyle did what they could, Kyle making it through but not without a few mistakes that cost him and Cam actually couldn't recover from his last error, one gate before the finish.

Great learning experience though and the guys are committed to come back out tomorrow and fight again.

Some video review and dinner at the "Bear" and they are ready to go!

I am ready for bed! no pics today.

jb