25 August 2004

Twenty talented athletes have been selected for the British Snowboard teams for this winter following a selection camp in Les 2 Alpes in July.

The best of British
This year there will be five teams touring the international circuit and selected Grande Prix and TTR events. The latter competitions have been included for our British riders to come up against the best in the world. Craig Smith (CAN), Andreas Avik (SWE) and Gavin Learmonth (GBR) will continue to coach the teams throughout Europe and America.

The next two years are crucial for the World Cup team, including James Foster, Lesley McKenna, Zoe Gillings, Dan Wakeham and Dom Harington. All of the above could complete in the Olympics - if they pass the stringent qualifying criteria, made with the advice of the International Ski Federation and the British Olympic Association:

Male Qualification - Two top 25 finishes or one top 20 finish within the 2005/06 season, as well as 120 FIS points or higher.

Female Qualification - Two top 20 or one top 15 finish at World Cup Level within the 2005/06 season, as well as 120 FIS points or higher.

Craig Smith said about the team selections; "During a week's training camp in Saas Fee an incredible talent was on display. In the Halfpipe Dom did 4 hit runs with back to back 9's and even a Haakon 9, all ten feet above the lip. James and Dan were cruising 1080's and Tyler nailing backside 7's. Lesley extended her bag of tricks twofold and Zoe was showing great strength after intense fitness training with Bath University."

The team will be based in Switzerland and France from October to March and will be commencing their World Cup tour on the 9th September in Chile.

Sponsorship opportunity
The teams are currently self-funded by the athletes and their personal sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the team please contact info@snowsportgb.com.

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