The FIS World Junior Alpine Championships in Verbier last week were dominated by Austria (who won 7 or the 10 available titles). However, there were some strong performances by the four British Squad members.

Eighteen year olds, Chemmy Alcott (Twickenham, pictured right), Noel Baxter (Aviemore) and Roger Cruickshank (Banchory) plus 19 year old Henry Taylor (Worksop) had a successful week.

Allcott and Cruickshank, competing in all events, performed well and Baxter put in a slalom performance to suggest he will fast be on half-brother Alainıs heels before long.

Alcott (pictured) began the week with 18th place in the Downhill, followed by 21st in the Super G. In her favourite Giant Slalom and Slalom Competitions, a good recovery from a very bad mistake in the GS meant Alcott finished 19th and two good runs secured 8th place in the slalom. This all-round consistency resulted in a tremendous 5th place overall

The British highlight of the Menıs event was Noel Baxterıs 26th place in the menıs Slalom. Alain's younger brother has only just made his recovery from a terrible knee injury sustained early in 2000 and was delighted with his performance. Roger Cruickshank finished 33rd in that event, and skied consistently thoughout the week finishing 48th in Downhill, 53rd in GS and 33rd in slalom. His final overall ranking was 19th.

World Junior Championships ­ Ladiesı Overall Title
1. RAISCH, Maria GER 68.33
2. AUFDENBLATTEN, Fraenzi SUI 72.69
3. MANCUSO, Julia USA 75.52
4. DABIC, Lea SLO 83.04
5. ALCOTT, Chemmy GBR 85.61