U.S. bobsled and skeleton athletes take first runs of season
(USBSF Press Release)
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (Oct. 13, 2011)-The track crew at Mount Van Hoevenberg has been working around the clock to prepare the combined bobsled, skeleton and luge track for the start of the 2011-2012 season. Unseasonably warm temperatures postponed opening day by three days, but over 80 bobsled and skeleton athletes took to the ice for the first time since March today.
“Being able to finally slide today was great,” said Elana Meyers, 2010 Olympic bronze medalist in women’s bobsled. “Venue manager Tony Carlino and the track crew did a great job getting ice on the track with the crazy warm weather we’ve been having. I’m excited that the season has started and can’t wait to get more trips.”
Skeleton athletes took their first training runs from 3-5 pm, while bobsled teams navigated the 20-curve course for the first time this season from 7-9 pm. Several bobsled brakeman were recruited over the summer and took their first runs on ice today.
“Getting all these rookies down the track for the first time was exciting,” Meyers said. “It’s the next process in adding people in our sport and a great start to the season.”
Athletes are training in preparation for a series of team selection races to vie for a spot on the U.S. national team. The team selection race schedule is as follows, with all times listed in EST:
Thursday, Oct. 20
3-5 pm: Skeleton selection race #1
Friday, Oct. 21
3-5 pm: Skeleton selection race #2
7-9 pm: Women’s bobsled race #1, Men’s two-man bobsled selection race.
Thursday, Oct. 27
3-5 pm: Skeleton selection race #3
Friday, Oct. 28
3-5 pm: Skeleton selection race #4
7-9 pm: Women’s bobsled race #2, Men’s four-man bobsled selection race
Saturday, Oct. 29
10 am: National team announcement
