Sunday, January 23, 2000 -- Timberline Resort, WV
USSA Junior Giant Slalom
Story and photos by Don Parks
[Coverage/Recap]
[Overall Results]
[Results by Class]
Pictures:
[Set 1]
[Set 2]
[Set 3]
[Set 4]
[Set 5]
[Set 6]
[Set 7]
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After racers blasted through their first runs, everyone agreed that the
course was well laid out and holding up well. This meant that the second
run would consist of the same gates with just a few adjustments to
better secure a few of them. However, the course did become a little
icy and generally slowed the times slightly.
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Taking home his first ever overall win, Reed had little to say regarding his winning formula. But, fellow racer Ben Hinkle was willing to sum up the day for him by simply stating, "He was on it!"
Even more impressive was the performance of female racer Meghan
Fairbrother. Fairbrother attacked the gates on her two runs to
record consistent times of 42.51 and 42.52. These were the two
fastest times of the day, among the ladies, and her combined total of
1:25.03 was more than four seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.
When asked about her dominating runs, Fairbrother modestly replied, "I
was feeling good."
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Everyone seemed to enjoy the days racing as many took home awards for top finishes in their respective divisions. One of those was was J3 (age 13 & 14) men's winner Taylor Embury who was willing to share with us a few tips on GS racing. After gaining an almost one second lead on his first run, Embury couldn't afford any mistakes on his second. "I knew I had to ride my knees, use my edges, and make nice round turns starting above each gate," was what he revealed as his game plan.
Sounds easy enough, but for some reason we imagine these racers are making it sound a little too easy. One thing we do know for sure is it certainly looks like fun. After watching all those bright-eyed smiles covering the slopes throughout the day, you didn't have to imagine that fact.