British Bobsleigh Association
Fast times on the track at St Moritz shows that the Team is peaking according to plan
09 February 2006
Day 6: Thursday 9th February
"Rhino" stirs it up, Lee messes up, but times on the track are tumbling...
(Daily Reports courtesy of The Winter Sports Agency)
According to Shiner (as Martin is known), Dan "Rhino" Humphries was up at 6.30am and decided that everyone should all be up because he was. The team is so revved up that the annoyance didn't last long as the athletes prepared for early sliding.
Dan made the most of the window his early start had created and, knowing that he would be first off on the track, he warmed up in the hotel garage before breakfast.
Then it finally happened. Lee Johnston messed up! Lee was in Tom's van as they departed for the track walk in the morning with Nicola. On the 3 mile trip to the track they took a call from Pete Gunn, asking if Lee had the keys to the other van. "Funny old thing" Lee had the keys on him so the party had to drive back to drop off the keys. Now that may not sound like a major occurrence, unless you know Lee, because he almost never makes that kind of mistake and can be merciless on those who do. Consequently it set the day off in buoyant mood.
Tom De La Hunty reports that training went extremely well with Lee flying in the old Hilti sled. His time of 1.07.44 was .43 seconds faster than he did in the World Cup race two weeks ago.
Dan was pleased that his starts were consistent and fast and that Lee's timing is improving day by day. The only hiccup was a footprint of fresh spike marks that Dan left on Lee's back as they loaded on one of the laufs.
Nicola was driving with Jenny in the Reich and made a big improvement - .13 seconds faster than her race laufs at the recent World Cup. And that was off starts that were .4 seconds slower.
Jackie has mixed feelings about the news that she and Nicola will be trying the other bob after the Opening Ceremony. On the one hand she's excited and curious to see how they get on, but also cautious as she recognises that it was quite difficult this year having so many sleds to choose from.
Those not sliding today were involved in some Formula 1 style pit-stops, changing runners between runs and altering the foot-pegs and seats and removing/adding weight from the sleds. Karl reckons they are becoming pretty good at it now and thinks they could take on the boys from Mclaren.
After lunch there was a team meeting to discuss all the 'what ifs?' that could arise during the next few weeks. Many diverse scenarios were discussed - from personal problems to mechanical issues - and what the team should do in each eventuality. The exercise engendered a sense of empowerment, a confidence that the team could handle whatever life might throw up.
In the afternoon the 4-man crew conducted some 'dry' practice loading in the garage, going through "the load" over and over again in order to be as slick and smooth as possible. The boys are really hopeful that the new combination of Martin at 2, Karl at 3 and big Dan on the back will be able to find some much needed hundredths at the top of the track.
Both crews (with the exception of Lee and Dan, who needed a rest and a magic rub from Gordon) went to the gym to do weights and plyometric training. At 50% of max it was easy and fun - another confidence builder as the athletes taper for competition. Shiner in particular felt refreshed by the session.
After dinner there was a hum of activity as everyone made final checks on their Parade outfits for the opening ceremony in Turin tomorrow. The whole team, but especially of course those at their first Olympic Games, are besides themselves with excitement. Digital cameras are on charge to capture the moment.
According to Shiner (as Martin is known), Dan "Rhino" Humphries was up at 6.30am and decided that everyone should all be up because he was. The team is so revved up that the annoyance didn't last long as the athletes prepared for early sliding.
Dan made the most of the window his early start had created and, knowing that he would be first off on the track, he warmed up in the hotel garage before breakfast.
Then it finally happened. Lee Johnston messed up! Lee was in Tom's van as they departed for the track walk in the morning with Nicola. On the 3 mile trip to the track they took a call from Pete Gunn, asking if Lee had the keys to the other van. "Funny old thing" Lee had the keys on him so the party had to drive back to drop off the keys. Now that may not sound like a major occurrence, unless you know Lee, because he almost never makes that kind of mistake and can be merciless on those who do. Consequently it set the day off in buoyant mood.
Tom De La Hunty reports that training went extremely well with Lee flying in the old Hilti sled. His time of 1.07.44 was .43 seconds faster than he did in the World Cup race two weeks ago.
Dan was pleased that his starts were consistent and fast and that Lee's timing is improving day by day. The only hiccup was a footprint of fresh spike marks that Dan left on Lee's back as they loaded on one of the laufs.
Nicola was driving with Jenny in the Reich and made a big improvement - .13 seconds faster than her race laufs at the recent World Cup. And that was off starts that were .4 seconds slower.
Jackie has mixed feelings about the news that she and Nicola will be trying the other bob after the Opening Ceremony. On the one hand she's excited and curious to see how they get on, but also cautious as she recognises that it was quite difficult this year having so many sleds to choose from.
Those not sliding today were involved in some Formula 1 style pit-stops, changing runners between runs and altering the foot-pegs and seats and removing/adding weight from the sleds. Karl reckons they are becoming pretty good at it now and thinks they could take on the boys from Mclaren.
After lunch there was a team meeting to discuss all the 'what ifs?' that could arise during the next few weeks. Many diverse scenarios were discussed - from personal problems to mechanical issues - and what the team should do in each eventuality. The exercise engendered a sense of empowerment, a confidence that the team could handle whatever life might throw up.
In the afternoon the 4-man crew conducted some 'dry' practice loading in the garage, going through "the load" over and over again in order to be as slick and smooth as possible. The boys are really hopeful that the new combination of Martin at 2, Karl at 3 and big Dan on the back will be able to find some much needed hundredths at the top of the track.
Both crews (with the exception of Lee and Dan, who needed a rest and a magic rub from Gordon) went to the gym to do weights and plyometric training. At 50% of max it was easy and fun - another confidence builder as the athletes taper for competition. Shiner in particular felt refreshed by the session.
After dinner there was a hum of activity as everyone made final checks on their Parade outfits for the opening ceremony in Turin tomorrow. The whole team, but especially of course those at their first Olympic Games, are besides themselves with excitement. Digital cameras are on charge to capture the moment.