Stratton ECups and Sugarbush Vermont Cup

As many of you are aware, the girls are into the heart of their season. We have been training hard since the beginning of November, and now it's go time! The team split up last week after departing from Smuggler's Notch. Most of the girls shifted gears, from training tech to speed. They have been working hard on the hill and prepping their skis for this week's FIS Super G series at Okemo. During that time period, Kristie Ryan and Kara Van Herwarde competed in 4 Eastern Cup Tech races at Stratton. This race series was stacked with NCAA Division I collegiate athletes, provincial team skiers, as well as other racers from ski academies. Ryan had a great showing during the first, 2 day GS series. She started bib 81 the first day and moved respectively up to 50th position. She geared up and did it again on the 2nd day! Kara was skiing well in the first section called "the beach". Unfortunately, she took a spill right over the roll over, where I started filming.
We endured some less than optimal weather during the slalom series. The lift wouldn't start on the 2nd day due to the ice that had accumulated, so the athletes practiced their skating and slipping skills until we were able to hold first run at 11am. Ryan skied well until straddling an exiting gate, coming out of the flush. During the 2nd day, Kara skied sections very well during 2nd run. We drove home in a whiteout, which made the 2 hour drive back home an adventure!
Yesterday, the whole team competed in a GS Vermont Cup at Sugarbush. After a 59 minute delay, due to timing issues, the race kicked off. We came down to a rough start for the first run, but saw vast improvements by certain athletes on the 2nd run. Kelly Rowland moved from 25th position after 1st, to 15th overall (coming in 8th on the 2nd run). Jessie McNeil moved from 37th to 26th position, after skiing the first pitch very well. Jocelyn Werle was 24th, Michelle Martin 39th, and Kara Van Herwarde 41st.
We have one day of training before heading to Okemo for Super G. Afterwards, the team will split up once again. The J2s will be staying on the speed track, going to NH for a 4 race super g series at Attitash. The J1s will be heading up to Collingwood, Ontario for a 4 day tech series. Stay tuned for results!