13th annual Whistler Cup set for April 1-3

By Published On: March 29th, 2005Comments Off on 13th annual Whistler Cup set for April 1-3

13th annual Whistler Cup set for April 1-3{mosimage}WHISTLER (BC), March 28, 2005 – The Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup is set to converge on Whistler, showcasing the best juvenile ski racers from around the world, April 1-3, 2005. Now in its 13th year, the Whistler Cup has earned the reputation of North America’s premier international juvenile ski races for girls and boys aged 11-14, with 10 races scheduled in Super G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom over the 3-day race period.

Last year’s event was a rousing success, with 350 juvenile athletes representing 15 countries, including 100 from the Lower Mainland. This year, the event has expanded and has confirmed participation from 17 countries.
The Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup has evolved into a must attend race for upcoming athletes from around the world and holds particular importance with the Olympics now just 5 years away. Canadian athletes competing at the Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup have the potential to be viable medal contenders in 2010.

“Sierra Wireless is honoured to have been a sponsor of the Whistler Cup for the last five years,” says David Sutcliffe, CEO and Chairman of Sierra Wireless. “We are proud to participate in this event to provide a venue in North America where young athletes can compete against other athletes from around the world, to work towards achieving their Olympic dreams.”

Modeled after the Trofeo Topolino alpine ski races in Italy, where the top juvenile ski racers in the world have competed for over 40 years, The Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup has already become the pre-eminent North American event on the international juvenile ski-racing calendar. Nearly all current Alpine Ski team members; 30 out of an eligible 32, have roots in Whistler Cup competition, proving it to be an important stepping-stone in the development of young Canadian racers. Past Whistler Cup participants include Benjamin Raich, Tina Maze, Sarah Schleper, Karen Putzer, Anja Paerson, Nicole Hosp and Canadians Jeff Hume, Allison Forsyth, Britt Janyk, Erik Guay, Genevieve Simard and Emily Brydon to name a few.

For the first time, Alpine Canada Alpin will host the « IRIS – Clear vision to the top – Team Canada selection camp » in preparation for the 2005 Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup. This camp will serve to determine which racers will represent Canada at the Nations Cup to be held as part of the Whistler Cup.

The Iris – Clear Vision to the Top – Team Canada Selection Camp will be lead by Mark Sharp, National Technical Director and hosted by World Cup coaches, Jim Pollock, Matt Kerr and Rob Boyd. Canada’s very own Alpine stars including Thomas Grandi, Allison Forsyth, and Jeff Hume will also be attending as guest coaches.

The Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup is sanctioned by the international ski federation (FIS) and organized by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, which has been in existence for over three decades. The club is dedicated to the development of young ski racers in all Alpine events. For more information, visit www.whistlercup.com .

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About the Author: Pete Rugh