The club decided to enter two teams into this competition, the second year of this event. Messrs Barrow (Hon Pres), Ricceri (Captain), Ter Haar, Ritchie, Waterstone, Creagh Coen, Woods and Starling were dispatched to entertain the delightful burghers of Courmeyeur and fellow city skiing enthusiasts.

After the enviable flight problems at Heathrow due to low visibility, the team managed to secure places on British Airways with the two youngest members upgraded to business class. On arrival at the resort, the team felt it wise to introduce themselves to the occupants of the Bar Roma and a certain Konrad Bartelski. It was made clear to Mr Bartelski that he faced a formidable heavy weight in the world of skiing (a Mr Ricceri) and that he should make a financial contribution to the team's drinking fund should his skiing ability not be up to par. The writer believes a time difference of 6 seconds was agreed, before an eloquent and enthused Mr Ritchie negotiated a 4 second differential.

A very sunny Friday enabled the team to train in excellent conditions, with Mr Barrow taking full advantage of the snow to impress everyone with his speed and agility by wiping out Mr Woods with some close formation skiing. The team spent an enjoyable lunch at La Grolla discussing the virtues of the fair sex over a glass or two.

The party returned to Mr Ricceri's chalet to prepare themselves for the evening by partaking in the Sauna and sampling a few local beverages. A short time was spent in the Bar Roma before joining the welcome party organised by the race sponsors. Once more, the team took the opportunity of impressing Mr Bartelski of its superior ability and American track record. When the welcome drinks had been exhausted a return to Bar Roma was proposed followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. An order of mountain goat was an inspired choice as it kept the party flowing freely the next day and its warm air was certainly appreciated in the close confines of the cable car. The remainder of the evening was spent in quite reflection at a nearby nightclub.

The next morning, the race day, was full of nervous tension, certain members of the party had to utilise on site equipment to aid their breakfast.

The race day itself was not the fairest of days, by the time the team arrived at the start the weather had closed in. It was close to blizzard conditions and visibility was reduced to the nearest flag. Our start numbers were 160 onwards, apparently our good friend Mr Bartleski (position 1) had left some time earlier in clear weather and completed his run without incident.

Enrico finished the course at full speed but due to congestion at the finish and the appalling weather he had to stop too quickly, fell badly and damaged his knee. After some considerable time, help arrived in the shape of a blood wagon and our honourable captain was taken down the mountain to the first aid centre.

        

Despite the sad loss the remainder of the team managed to find their way down the mountain, unaided. Rumour had circulated that the American bar was showing the rugby, so the team promptly settled down for a quite afternoon in front of the box. Jonny kindly imparted his deep knowledge of the game to everyone within hearing distance.

Afterwards the team prepared for the award ceremony, graciously attended by our now good friend Konrad who said kind words to all. Copious quantities of free Veuve Clicquot was pleasantly delivered by Naomi Hancock. We were glad to learn that our captain despite his fall had managed to come second, first place was won by a banker Mr George Lovell. Mr Bartelski had the fastest time but did not rank due to his prodigious celebrity status, Graham Bell was last years guest. Enrico's prize was a fleece and a bottle of vintage champagne.

The team decided that further pre dinner drinks were required at the Bar Roma which had been filled by a large number of delightful Italians, mainly female and of presentable quality. Jonny and I had the opportunity to discuss various technical aspects of the art of love at some short length. We were also lucky to meet a clumsy individual, who when accused of onanism, kindly responded that he had a double first at Oxford, excellent chaps these city types.

We were kindly led to our restaurant by Torquil, one of the organisers, who displayed a dapper image, especially as the bandage for his injured arm hung nonchalantly below the rear hem of his jacket. During the walk our Hon Pres, Mr Barrow displayed his support for the pro hunting lobby.

We were very lucky at the restaurant to have a nearby party of Merchant Bankers who really appreciated our humour and open approach to the female members of their party. In fact such a level of trust developed that they were all able to retire to their hotels early and leave us to kindly escort the ladies home.

The ladies were not as well bred as we thought and insisted that we should visit a local dance venue for a night cap. I was very surprised to hear raucous music coming from within. The words sung seemed to say "Who let the dogs out - woof - woof". Well when in Rome or rather Courmeyeur it makes sense to act like the locals and have a bit of a jig.

      

Well all good things must come to an end, but not before Jonny 'pulled'. It is amazing how an adam's apple does such wonders to a girls image.

So 'Time for Bed' said Anthony.

And before you could say 'Was that a full ski service' to which the answer was 'No only wax and edges' everyone staggered gently off into the dawn.

Results

1) Konrad Bartelski : 00:48:58
2) George Lovell :      00:54:21
3) Enrico Ricceri :      00:55:34
16) Robert Woods :   01:00:88
51) Anthony Barrow : 01:13:34

Full results

The time difference between Konrad and Enrico was 6.76 seconds. The standard 'no win - no pay' clause was duly invoked.

Links

Momentum Travel ski race organisers
Books by Konrad Bartelski on improving your skiing