by Gary Colwell
The 1998 Sise Cup tour returned to Vermont this past weekend with a two day event at Killington. Balmy breezes and hazy sun greeted Saturday's Slalom specialists. Pat McNamara proved again that when he shows up and stands up he's difficult to beat. Bob Hill, Chris Johnson and Brian Dewsnap all took a run at him but to no avail. In class action Hans Truckenbrod, Jesse Beck, Scott Pyles and Chuck Phillips all scored points with continued good skiing. For the ladies Kim Wolff seemed to have an insurmountable first run lead of close to two seconds. As so often is the case, protecting the lead and skiing safe can be dangerous and it was. Kirsten Bosworth charged back with a great second run to snatch a victory. Karen Nash, Margarite Zuccotti, Patti Lane, and Kevin Veller all posted good results earning valuable class Sise Cup points.
Sunday's Giant Slalom did not get off to its usual prompt start due to what can only be described as beastly weather arriving. The official word was "temporary delay, due to visibility problems," or more succinctly, to quote scheduled forerunner John Grush, "I can't see SH--!!" With the first gate alternately coming into view and then disappearing, it didn't look good, despite Tom Gilbert and the dedicated Killington race crew continually chanting the mantra "Fog Will Lift, Race Will Start." As time went by and their voices became merely a whisper, the first gate miraculously appeared and then the second, and the third and viola, the beast leaves and the race is on! Although some three and a half hours late starting and only one run, the classic Skylark GS was well worth the wait. Mark Sertl, a visitor from the New York Masters Series scorched the field on a technically challenging course kept in near-perfect shape through diligent maintenance by all the racers. Kirsten Bosworth, buoyed by her win Saturday, easily outdistanced the other ladies to post a double win weekend. There was some concern about the forty or so signed up competitors who disappeared during the morning fog, but a quick check,showed all bibs were turned in and no need to worry. The tour now moves to Mt. Snow this Saturday and Sunday before concluding at Sugarloaf next weekend with a final three day event.