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Draper Journal

Ski & Snowboard News / World Cup Bobsled action up close

Nov 19, 2017 09:03AM ● By Harriet Wallis

Winning German team / photo: Harriet Wallis

In partnership with the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF), Utah Olympic Park hosted the BMW IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Cup.  Athletes competed for a World Cup title on the track used in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. 

Germany won the 4-man bobsled World Cup. USA took second. Great Britain took third.

A lot goes on at the start line. Sleds lie on their sides like sleeping dogs and must be moved into place on the ice. At the last minute, athletes strip down to their race suits and toss their warm clothes into a heap. A coach brushes ice off their race slippers so they have good traction. Each team has its start ritual: some bump helmets, some slap hands, some grunt and yell. All to get psyched for the moment of Start.

It's an Olympic year, and  World Cup competitions lead up to it. Park City's Olympic Park was the 2nd stop on the 8 venue World Cup tour that includes Lake Placid, Whistler, St. Moritz, Altenberg, Winterberg, and Konigssee. Athletes from 20 countries competed.

Overlooking the winding track / photo: Harriet Wallis