WHISTLER, BC (March 30th, 2007) – The future of international alpine ski racing will be on display in Whistler as hundreds of athletes from 20 countries, including 100 racers from British Columbia and Canada, will participate in the 15th edition of The Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup.
This international FIS ski race, taking place in Whistler, BC from April 6th to 8th, is the largest and most important ski race in North America for athletes between 11 – 14 years old.
“This is a very unique event. There are very few premiere international FIS races like Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup. This year we’ve got 20 nations confirmed to participate with over 440 athletes attending, some of whom are destined to be future Olympians,” said Whistler Cup Race Chair John Rea.
“A dedicated team of volunteers have worked really hard. Everything is in great shape and we are looking forward to hosting all the athletes, coaches and support staff. It’s sure to be some exciting racing and a great event,” Rea said.
Some of the countries attending this year’s competition include Canada, the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, USA, Australia, Slovakia, Chile, Netherlands, Denmark, and Japan as well as new participants Greece and Finland.
The schedule this year has K2’s racing Super G on April 6th, Slalom on April 7th and Giant Slalom on April 8th. The K1’s will race a Kombi event on April 6th, Giant Slalom on April 7th and Slalom on April 8th.
Sierra Wireless is now in its seventh year as title sponsor of the Whistler Cup, which is organized by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club and hosted by Whistler-Blackcomb.
There are 31 current members of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team who are alumnus of this event.
ABOUT THE SIERRA WIRELESS WHISTLER CUP
The Whistler Cup, which is hosted by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, is one of only five international ski events for 11 to 14 year olds (K1 & K2), and is the only one in North America. World Cup champions to have participated in the Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup include Austria’s Benjamin Raich, Slovenian Tina Maze and Anja Paerson of Sweden. Some Canadian alumnus of the event includes Erik Guay, Britt Janyk, Allison Forsyth, Emily Brydon, Manuel Osborne-Paradis and Christina Lustenberger.