Alain Baxter today took one step closer to the World Cup
podium with a 7th place on a rock hard course in appalling
visibility at Wengen, Switzerland.
The 27 year old from Aviemore has
had a remarkable season so far, recording a British best
with every new World Cup start.
Currently 12th in the World Cup Slalom
standings, Baxter's attacking first run saw him to 8th position,
1.59secs behind race leader Benjamin Raich, Austria. Teammate
Johnny Moulder-Brown, started well but but failed to finish
as the weather closed in.
The second run began in swirling mist,
which was to worsen significantly as the race continued.
With just ten racers to go the race was held up briefly,
but Baxter showed nerves of steel to cut through the fog,
reminiscent of many a Scottish race day, and secure 3rd
place at the bottom of the hill.
With just seven racers remaining,
Baxter watched on as a number of competitors failed to complete
the same journey. Although the Austrians finished strongly
filling all top five places, Baxter finished the day in
7th - his best ever finish.
Asked how he felt afterward, Baxter
was on a high, 'Amazing! I could hardly see anything, but
you have to take the risks. With more confidence and more
races, I know I can perform even better.'
Baxter and Moulder-Brown now prepare
for Kitzbühel, the biggest media event of the World Cup
tour (Kitzbühel WC Slalom 21/1/01). This will be followed
by Schladming, the precursor to the 2001 FIS World Alpine
Championships in St Anton.
One factor that has always made it
more difficult for Baxter compared with his competitors
has been lack of funding. This is where you can help, thanks
to the fundraising auction
coming up at Christie's next month. Details of how to receive
an invitation to this unique event are covered on our feature
page. Even if you can't make it yourself, please tell
as many of your friends/colleagues as possible - it could
have a significant impact on British skiing!
Final Race Positions:
1. RAICH, Benjamin AUT
2. SCHÖNFELDER, Rainer AUT
3 MATT, Mario AUT
Previous FIS/World Cup articles:
World Cup criticised by Maier
Best British result ever!
More British successes
Maier wins Val d'Isere
double
FIS carelessness?
World Cup Update
Maier wins and loses at
Lake Louise
Early British racing
success
British Team details
Official
World Cup Site
