The SYNC Cup continued after successful tech races at Winter Park and Aspen Highlands by hosting the inaugural speed event at the Breckenridge Ski Resort. It was on the dynamic Peak 10 Cimarron track, and the races were for U16 athletes but open to FIS racers as well.
January 9th was jam-packed with two runs of super-G for both the men and women. Despite nerves, the young athletes overcame their fears to push themselves to their limits as they took on higher speeds. Regardless of the initial scarcity of snow at Breckenridge, Peak 10 managed to open after a storm during the holiday season, providing solid snow conditions for the event.
Excitement and nervous energy surrounded the starting area when the young athletes were getting ready. Camaraderie was prevalent as the athletes cheered each other on at the start gate. Cimarron is a challenging course for parents and other spectators to watch. However, small groups gathered in openings outside the B-Net to guarantee the racers received enthusiastic cheers down the run.
Male athlete Soren Dumond stated, “Speed is fun! You are always happy and so excited when you come through the finish. You are amazed at how fast you went and how confident you are.”
Athlete AJ Schwartz agreed. He described, “Speed is like a rollercoaster that you get to drive!”
The day began with the women, and despite the cold temperature, the weather remained flawless, offering the racers clear blue skies. The men followed immediately after the women’s field concluded.
Athlete Tessa Barbour stated, “The course was fun and really fast. It felt good,” she continued, “Super-g is really fun and I enjoy doing it.”
Rewani Shrestha stated, “The day was kind of nerve-wracking and really cold, but after the first run I shook off the nerves and I knew how the run was going to go.”
Racer Bella Fischer added to Shrestha’s statement by explaining, “The nerves made me more excited for the first speed race,” She continued, “It is much easier racing here the second time than the first.”
The dedicated race officials and Breckenridge course crew worked endlessly to ensure the courses held up nicely for the two fields. Aldo Radamus from Team Summit set the first run, and Ben Brown from Steamboat set the second run. Both sets were fun for the racers and gave them the confidence to stand strong on the outside ski and find speeds through straighter sections.
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“The first race, I had more in me, and I knew I could have gone faster in some sections, so the second race, I feel like it all came together,” Racer Shay Armistead described.
These first events of the season are a stepping stone for developing athletes. The races assist them in setting goals for the rest of the winter or give them the opportunity to reestablish the goals they have already made.
These are a few goals the racers said they set for themselves in 2024:
Soren Dumond
“Go as fast as I can and be the best that I can.”
Shay Armistead
“My main goal this year is to make the U16 Nationals. Last year I was just on the cusp, so this year I am really going for it.”
Tessa Barbour
“My goal is to be aggressive and come to every race ready to send it!”
Bella Fisher
“The goal is to go to U16 Nationals and do really well.”
AJ Schwartz
“Ski fast, have fun! And a top 10 would be nice.”
Rewani Shrestha
“I want to make champs and U16 Nationals.”
The arrival of the various ski clubs to this event heightened the competitive spirit of the SYNC Cup. The athletes were able to ski hard while connecting with other racers.
Unfortunately, the weather today (January 10th) caused the cancellation of both giant slalom races for the two fields. Nonetheless, the successful combination and hard work of SYNC Performance, Team Summit, Team Breckenridge, and Breckenridge Ski Resort made the speed event possible for these evolving athletes. Racing will return soon to Cimarron, Breckenridge, for the U14 super-G Rocky Central Qualifiers- January 14-16th, 2024.