CANADA’S PARA-ALPINE SKI TEAM BOOSTS PREPARATION FOR PARALYMPIC SEASON
CANADA’S PARA-ALPINE SKI TEAM BOOSTS PREPARATION FOR PARALYMPIC SEASON
Thirteen athletes focus on speed disciplines during two week on snow training camp in Chile
CALGARY, AB (August 19 2009) – The Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team (CPAST) is back on snow in Chile, focusing on the speed disciplines of downhill and super-G in preparation for the IPC World Cup season and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games,
Kimberly Joines (Rossland, BC), who won the overall Crystal Globe in super G in the women sitting category last season, is one of 13 skiers at training camp in Valle Nevado, Chile over the next two weeks.
“It is great to be back on snow. It always takes a day outside to remember what winter feels like because your body gets a little confused to go from +30 degrees to -18 degrees,” said Joines. “Valle Nevado is one of the most amazing destinations I have had the opportunity to train. The snow and terrain up at 3000m is incredible and we are doing everything we can to adjust to the altitude quickly.”
Joines, a bronze medalist at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Turin, ITA, said she does not anticipate much change to the training intensity prior to a Paralympic season.
“I always try to make the most of my training. To do it differently in a Paralympic year would be cheating the non-Paralympic years in my skiing career. The only thing that might be different for me will be my attention to detail, and more work on the mental training side of things,” added Joines.
CPAST head coach Jean-Sébastien Labrie said they intend to train the speed events of super-G and downhill during this camp.
“After a summer of high intensity and high volume physical training it is good to be back on the snow, where we belong. The summer season permitted us to work hard on the athlete’s equipment,” said Jean-Sébastien Labrie.
“The spirit of the team right now is amazing and they are really focused on what they have to accomplish. Our training regiment will not be different from the other years but we are all working to make sure that the athletes pick right at the beginning of March for the Paralympics.”
The CPAST team finished the last IPC World Cup season first overall, marking the first time in history that any team other than Austria or the USA won the overall title. Lauren Woolstencroft (North Vancouver, BC) and Viviane Forest (Edmonton, AB) capped the season by winning the overall Crystal Globes in their category.
The IPC World Cup ski racing season is scheduled to begin in January in Patscher Kofel, AUT. The Para-alpine events of the Paralympic Winter Games take place in Whistler, BC beginning with the men’s and ladies downhill on March 13.
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