Crawford and Alcott take Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships Super G titles
On the first day of the Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships in Meribel, GB racer Chemmy Alcott (Hampton Court, Surrey) - who has announced that she will retire at the end of this Championships - claimed the Ladies' Super G title in her last ever Super G race with an impressive time of 1:23:91. Meanwhile, in the Men's Super G, reigning overall British Champion Dougie Crawford (Bearsden, Glasgow) looks to retain the title he won last year, as he took first place in the Men's Super G with 1:19:20, over four seconds faster than his other British competitors.
In overcast conditions, Chemmy Alcott showed that despite an ongoing battle with a leg injury, she is still a force to be reckoned as she took the Super G title by over two seconds. In second place was Cara Brown (1:26:01) and Honor Clissor (1:27:91) came in third. Both were satisfied with their performances on what they described as a challenging course.
Chemmy Alcott said: "I just wanted to come through the finish line with a smile on my face. The last few weeks have been tough with my leg, I am not in my best shape of the year, but I would have been disappointed if I didn't win. It was really, really great to win and on what was a tough course."
In the men's race, Dougie Crawford took the title of British Super G Champion, fighting off challenges from Billy Major (1:23:57) who finished in second and Max Baggio (1:26:59) who took third. On a technical course, over half the field didn't cross the finish line, including 2012 overall British Champion TJ Baldwin and Jack Gower.
Dougie Crawford said: "It was quite a tricky course, I made a couple of mistakes and I was a little bit fortunate that the other guys didn't finish. But it is great to get a win and get going, and hopefully the weather stays good for the rest of the Championships, especially the speed races. I am aiming for the overall title and looking forward to the Downhill. I haven't raced Slalom for a while so that will be interesting, I may be a bit rusty but we will see!"
This is the 11th year of the 2014 Delancey British National Alpine Championships, the biggest event in the British Alpine ski racing calendar. Supported by Delancey - Principal Sponsor of British Ski and Snowboard - for the 4th year, the Senior and Junior Championships take place from 30 March to 7 April followed by the Under 16 and Under 14 Championships from 8 April to 11 April.
Sir John Ritblat, President of BSS and Chairman of Delancey's Advisory Board said: This is Delancey's 6th year of funding and my 36th year. As the longest supporters of British snowsport, we are extremely proud that Delancey has been able to play its part in supporting our nation's athletes, and are delighted that this years Championships has started with such good conditions and impressive results from our British team.
Delancey British Alpine Championships 2014 – Super G results (British racers only):
Men's: 1st - Dougie Crawford: 1.19.20, Billy Major: 1.23.57, Max Baggio: 1.26.59.
Women's: 1st – Chemmy Alcott: 1.23.91, 2nd – Cara Brown: 1.26.01, Honor Clissold: 1.27.91
Full results from the Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships can be found on the official website: www.britishalpinechamps.com.