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Poncin aims high
At 36 years old, British Speed Skiing Champion Marc Poncin
believes that in 2004 he will set the world of snowsports alight
by winning his first World Cup race. And just for good measure,
he wants to break the world speed skiing record.
In Marc’s opinion, speed skiers reach their peak in their mid 30s,
a fact borne out by many past world champions. 'You need to be mentally
mature and use your strength and energy in a highly controlled way',
said Marc. 'It takes a long time to hone your skills and there is
no substitute for experience' he continued.
240km so far
Marc’s favourite speed course is the world-class track at Les Arcs,
France – he has already clocked 240 kph. Many insiders in the sport
believe that Marc has the ability to win and that he will experience
that top-of-the-podium feeling before the season is out – he finished
in the top five in all World Cup competitions last season, taking
second place on three occasions.
Sponsorship
required
As is often the case in British skiing, Marc
benefits from very little sponsorship. Respected British tour operator,
Erna Low, hosts Marc in Les Arcs and the resort itself offers him
a lift ticket when competing there. Start, a Finnish wax manufacturer
also helps out. Other than this, Marc is very much on his own and
finances himself through his day job as a numismatist.
(You don't know what a numismatist is??? He deals in coins of course.
In Marc’s case, specifically Roman and Byzantine, presumably making
him a Byzantine-Roman numismatist).
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