So what happens at the start of a World Cup Race?
Not sure anyone has ever answered that question, so here it goes…
After course inspection, the racers typically all hang out at a lodge at the top of the hill. If there is only one lodge up there, then we’re all packed in there and depending on how small it is, we’re packed in there like sardines. Imagine 70 girls all in one room, plus coaches, hangers-on, waiters, etc… a wild scene.
As the start time approaches, people start making their way up to the start area.
Once there, I have a quick meeting with my technician Andrea. He gives me some last minute info on the skis and perhaps we go over the course again. Shortly thereafter, I go inward and visualize the course with its optimum line, bumps, rolls, and jumps.
As my number gets closer, I do some active warm-up stretches to get the muscles firing. Tara, the US Ski Team Physio uses the stick that helps loosen my muscles one last time. I take off my jacket, Andrea lays down my skis, brushes the excess snow off my boots, and I click in the bindings. Andrea gives the bindings one last tweak, brushes off the top of the ski, towels off the base, and off I go.
Beep beep beep… see ya!