On the eve of the 2002 British Ski Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Alain Baxter came back to form with his best result of the season so far.

Equipped with new skis, Baxter clearly felt more comfortable with his 1st run, signalling his return to better form to the crowd and the cameras. The new Head skis arrived from the factory yesterday morning, and despite having had no time to practise on them, it was clearly a more confident Baxter competing today. He finished the 1st run in 12th place in 51.47, just 1.26 off halfway leader Ivica Kostelic.

Younger brother Noel, 20, whose form has continued to improve since the start of the season began his first ever World Cup from a start of 68 and finished a very respectable 38th, ahead of Mario Matt and Lasse Kjus. Coach Reinhard Fernsebner was delighted with Noel Baxter¹s performance and stated, 'This is a remarkable performance for a debut World Cup appearance. He skied well, only slipping up slightly on the steep.' Noel races in Europa Cups in Mellau on Tuesday (15th January).

Alain Baxter was less pleased with his second run, although split times on the flat sections showed Alain up with the race leaders. His final 16th place is the best since the opening World Cup in Aspen and will boost his confidence for the final two World Cup slalom¹s prior to next month Winter Olympics.

Also 38th, this time in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, and therefore not featuring in the 2nd run of the women¹s World Cup Slalom was Emma Carrick-Anderson. Chemmy Alcott also failed to qualify, although a second run was available as part two of the combined event, where she finished 18th.

Snowboarder, Lesley McKenna competing in Arosa unfortunately caught a toe while attempting to land a 720, falling on her shoulder. Despite the crash she recorded 12th place in the World Cup competition.

Freestyler, Simon Bates competed in Europa Cup competition in Livigno in Italy on Friday and finished 6th, agonisingly close to the 5th place required to make Olympic qualification.

RESULTS

Men¹s FIS World Cup Slalom No 6, Wengen, SUI, 13th January 2002

1 Kostelic Ivica (CRO) 50.21 52.08 1.42.29 -
2 Kunc Mitja (SLO) 50.35 51.95 1.42.30 + 0.01
3 Zardini Edoardo (ITA) 50.86 51.75 1.42.61 + 0.32
4 Schönfelder Rainer (AUT) 50.64 51.99 1.42.63 + 0.34
5 Vidal Jean Pierre (FRA) 50.88 52.12 1.43.00 + 0.71
6 Miller Bode (USA) 51.76 51.35 1.43.11 + 0.82

16 Baxter Alain (GBR) 51.47 52.46 1.43.93 + 1.64
38 Baxter Noel (GBR) DNQ

Related Articles on Natives:

15th in first race (November 2001)
Exclusive Interview (July 2001)
Baxter backs kids (April 2001)
4th in World Cup Final Round (March 2001)
Baxter continues good run (January 2001)

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