My result here in Branäs, Sweden, wasn’t quite what I
was hoping for.
I posted the 10th fastest time in qualifications,
which was a solid result; my third top-10 World Cup qualification for the
season. Finals today were very shortly lived unfortunately. It felt like it was
over before it had even begun. I pulled out of the start gate aggressively,
wanting more than anything to progress through to the semi finals. Then before
I knew it, I hit the ground and was on my side sliding down the hill right after
the first turn. I got caught up with the Swiss girl, our skis tangled and my
skis unfortunately slipped out from underneath me. One of those things in this
sport that is just a bit of bad luck, and something you can’t always control. I
hammered into the first turn, and I guess this is Ski Cross and this stuff
happens. Extremely frustrating though!
I got up and finished the course well behind the other three
racers, just in case I might be lucky enough to do a Bradbury and come from behind…
Never happens to me, but I thought it was worth a shot! I finished my heat in
fourth place, and was therefore pushed all the way back to 15th
place overall. A bit of a disappointing result given that I qualified in 10th.
On the bright side, I have now jumped up two spots into 16th place
in the overall World Cup rankings, my best ever world ranking.
I am now on my way to Zurich, where we will spend the next
couple of days resting, re-fuelling and preparing for the next World Cup in
Grindelwald, Switzerland.
(Anton and I soaking up the Swedish skyline)
(Discussing tactics with the coach on finals day)
(Qualifications)
