European Championships

As another "plastic"season draws to a close those that failed to turn up for the Europeans because they are intimidated by the Pontypool terrain and are not up to the challenge, were starting their first week at Uni or just could not fit the weekend in for various reasons missed a weekend of varied and excellent courses set by Robin Kellen, Dave Berry and Hedley Beavis.

The male race had a quality entry but missed a few desirable competitors from the north and east. it was good to see the Scottish and Irish camps make the long journey to Wales. Once again several of the top ladies failed to enter.

Saturday saw some good close racing over fairly good and fast courses which, surprisingly a few top names failed to finish. The Belgians brought colour to the event with cowbells echoing through the Pontypool Park as their skiers, in their catsuits, brought colour to the event.

Sunday opened with another fast, but good first course which, once again saw the demise of several top names. The second course, set by Robin Kellen was a challenge for all to see. It was fair and skiable but some chose to give the key gate little more than a cursory glance or not inspect at all. Hey guy's and gall's this was the Europeans and it was obvious that anyone with less than a perfect line would bite the dust, or rather mat. Sure enough, as in the British last year and the All England this year the ones who would not make it down were all very predictable with few surprises. Some never learn!

The good skiers survived but few had clean runs and several were very fast. However, all that came had invaluable experience towards next year's British Champs. If you want to be a British Champ next year you will have to be up to the Pontypool challenge.

The atmosphere amongst the spectators and athletes was like it was many years ago. Good challenging courses make for good racing and good entertainment.

What did you think of the Europeans?