Altitude Training: The Crystal Team Challenge

Date: 27 March 2006

The Alpine slopes of Italy played host to the Crystal Team Challenge again last week and it proved to be just what the doctor ordered.

Steve, currently nursing a sore Achilles tendon from his Marathon training, decided, instead of pounding the streets of Buckinghamshire, to try a little altitude training.

Twelve teams of four all got together to receive training from a team of experts including Noel Baxter, the UK Olympic skier. Noel also played his part in one of the teams and, unsurprisingly, came in first in the end-of-week races. Luckily, the prizes were reserved for the guests so his prowess didn't cause any consternation amongst the others. In fact, it was a great chance for the novices to see just how it should be done.

"It was amazing to see Noel whiz down the slopes," Steve commented. "I try to ski as often as I can but seeing Noel in action just makes you appreciate just how good the experts are - and pretty quick too!"

After Noel, Steve led his team into second place but their efforts, as hosts, were not counted either so first prize went to 'The Flying Friswells', a family team made up of Glen, Debbie and their children, Harry and Georgina. So well done to the Friswells.

And their prize - they get to do it all again next year!

Jacqueline Alexander

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