30,000 spectators filled the base of the world famous Hahnenkamm piste to watch two emerging talents from the men¹s Austrian Technical Team secure a home victory, while bidding a fond farewell to Thomas Sykora, a former Kitzbühel victor.

Audible amidst the throng was a Scottish piper and numerous Cairngorm worthies, who had made the trip from Scotland to Tyrol to watch the Aviemore based Baxter brothers (Noel, 19 and Alain, 28) compete together at the biggest Alpine World Cup event on the circuit.

In snowfall, Alain Baxter, starting 17, showed his improving form, achieving the 13th fastest time of the first run (46.41), on the Wildkaiser course set by his own coach, Christian Schwaiger. With 26 nations represented and 92 competitors taking part, Noel¹s challenge to make the top 30 from a start place of 80 was always going to be a tough one to crack. Skiing with confidence approaching the electric atmosphere in the packed finish area, Noel posted a time of 48.32 and finished in 54th place.

Alain Baxter, skiing with renewed confidence on his improved Head skis and with Friday¹s victory in the British Land Championship slalom under his belt, started well and held the lead at the first split. Like many others, it was on the lower turns where time was lost and Alain¹s 2nd run resulted in an 18th place (1¹38.57).

'It is great to have Noel skiing with me at World Cup. He is really fast right now ­ the competition as well as the company really helps me. The support today was excellent. It¹s nice to see a bit of Scotland among the masses of Austrian flags,' said Alain.

Reiner Schönfelder was, today, not only celebrating victory, but the release of his new single entitled 'Schi-fahren' (trans. Skiing). All rumours surrounding a Baxter Boys version of 'Donald Whars Yer Troosers' were immediately quashed.

RESULTS
Men¹s FIS World Cup Slalom No 7, Kitzbühel, 20th January 2002

1 SCHOENFELDER Rainer AUT 45.42 51.46 1:36.88
2 ALBRECHT Kilian AUT 45.46 51.61 1:37.07
3 MILLER Bode USA 45.45 51.64 1:37.09
4 ROCCA Giorgio ITA 45.44 51.97 1:37.41
5 PRANGER Manfred AUT 45.89 51.71 1:37.60
6 KOSTELIC Ivica CRO 45.23 52.46 1:37.69

18 BAXTER Alain GBR 46.41 52.16 1:38.57
54 BAXTER Noel GBR DNQ

Related Articles on Natives:

Baxter back on form (January 2002)
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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