Opening ceremonies today:
Athletes paraded through the main street of Verbier village – along the same route of the vertical course where they we’re greeted by the local marching band and horn players. The president of ISMF and the organizing committee gave speeches and Canada’s very own Melanie Bernier – the athletes representative to the ISMF – spoke as well.
Tomorrow, the sprint course features a slightly longer than normal climb with a steep and narrow descent including a small kicker! Expect big things from the Italian team but don’t discount the French and Swiss.
The hopes of the USA lie in Andy Dorias who placed first at the U.S. National team selection race at Jackson Hole. Melanie Bernier, Canada’s sprint specialist, has high hopes for a podium finish. After a rough start to the season, she is feeling stronger with several race starts under her belt.
Our daily coverage of the races starts tomorrow!
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Stano Faban says
First sentence is correct Andy, and here are more details on the history of the symbol – http://www.ngw.nl/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Bagnes
AndyW says
The hot tub is the flag of the commune of Bagnes I believe. I also believe it’s two men. But perhaps they have made it more progressive.
Stano Faban says
@JCoates:
“…Melanie Bernier – the athletes representative to the ISMF – spoke as well…” The athletes representative is elected by the racers for one or two year term, then she/he speaks on behalf of all the athletes. In this case, the representative promises that everyone will race in a spirit of fair competition (without doping, cheating rules…)
Don’t know what’s the story with the flag but I was thinking the same 🙂
JCoates says
Whats the story about the picture of Melanie Bernier speaking at the podium? Is Verbier’s canton flag 2 naked women sitting in a hottub? If so…and they are proud of their traditions, the I’m headed there next weekend.