The World Alpine Junior Championships, originally scheduled for Narvik in Norway, drew to a close yesterday (3/3/02) in a rainy Ravascletto (ITA), the scene of only the women⊃1;s Giant Slalom event, following the cancellation of the men⊃1;s competition due to bad weather.

For Britain⊃1;s Chemmy Alcott (19), however, the rain could not dampen her enthusiasm, as she achieved 4th place based on championship points ­ one better than last year⊃1;s fifth.

Having returned direct from the Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, where her most notable result was 14th in the Women⊃1;s Combined, Alcott faced the challenge of a further grueling week of competition in all 4 Alpine disciplines.

The week began with a 12th place in Downhill, followed by disappointment in the Super G. However, 22nd place in the Slalom and 13th in today⊃1;s GS was enough to secure her 4th Place, while Julia Mancuso of the USA contributed two wins in Downhill and Giant Slalom to take top spot.

There was disappointment for fellow Brit Dani Bosher (18, Teddington), who failed to finish any of the events she entered in poor conditions, Joanna Greig (19, East Molesley) competed the slalom in 36th place but failed to complete the Giant Slalom event.

James Barcock (17, Oxford) completed the Men⊃1;s Slalom in 33rd place, 53rd in the Super G and 48th in the Downhill in his first ever World Junior Championships, with 2 further opportunities remaining. James Leuzinger (19, Hätzingen), who was entered for technical events only failed to finish the Slalom and was disappointed at the cancellation of the Men⊃1;s GS event.

All the above athletes now resume their FIS programme and will compete again as Juniors at the British Land Junior Championships to be held in Pitztal from 1 ­ 3 April 2002.