From Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, the world's brightest up-and-coming sliders will test their mettle at the Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC) for the IBSF North American Cup (NAC) alongside a few Olympic veterans. Many such bobsledders and skeleton athletes are already in town, practicing in advance of these imminent races.
Local BC Sliding Development Centre (SDC) bobsledders and lugers will share the ice with the international talent this week. Spectacting of all training runs is free.
One of the top Canadians to watch in NAC action this year is Melissa Lotholz. The two-time Olympian is quickly getting back up to speed after some time away from bobsleigh, winning monobob silver and bronze in Lake Placid, N.Y. last week for the NAC season opener. Lotholz also partnered with brakewoman Alexandra Klein for a pair of runner-up finishes in the two-woman event.
Keep an eye also on Pat Norton, Canada's second-most experienced male pilot. Norton clinched two four-man medals last week: gold with William Ashley, Keaton Brueggling and Davidson de Souza, and bronze one day later with Shaquille Murray-Lawrence replacing Ashley on the brakes.
Over on the skeleton side, Blake Enzie won two gold medals in Lake Placid and is no doubt looking to continue his upward momentum.
Visit the WSC website for more information.
