Continuous Improvement

January was a month of achievement for Rob, racing at events around Austria from Vienna, Gerlitzen and St Lambrecht. With his parents there to watch, he scored his best result in Slalom at Gerlitzen (33.91, 8th from a start position of 32), the best score in a month of excellent results in Slalom and Giant Slalom against competitors from Austria and round the world. Probably the most frustrating was the superb result at St Lambrecht, starting 29th in the second run after racing into 2nd place in the first run he ended up fifth overall - 0.04 seconds off the podium! Conditions have ranged from near perfect to very poor (racing at Turnau was cancelled, for instance) but this hasn't stopped Rob putting in seriously impressive performances. In the latest International Ski Federation list that ranks all ski racers Rob’s standing in his two main disciplines Slalom and Giant Slalom are now sub 40 points and he is now firmly positioned in the top seven GBR skiers.

You can follow Rob's results on the International Ski Federation website. Go to http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/613.html?sector=AL&listid&competitorid=110227&type=result and you'll see all his results.

Rob's story is one of success against the odds. He's been training with, and competing against, skiers from Russia, Holland, New Zealand, Austria and Slovakia. And beating them. Which is all the more impressive when you think what he's got to compete against: not just in terms of the sheer number of other competitors, but also in their support. Rob does all his own tech work, preparing his skis and getting ready for the next race the night before. Other teams have some serious support: at Gerlitzen, the Russian Federation turned up with a full team of coaches and technicians to support the racers. Rob, the only Brit, turned up with his Mum and Dad! There's a serious point here: other nations fund their ski teams, and their skiers, so that they can focus on getting the best results. They also facilitate a team based “work together” approach so that the up and coming athletes can learn from those further up the ladder. Sadly with the total lack of Central Government support GB skiing has none of that cohesive strategy. Rob needs that level of support, and the only place he's going to get it from is his sponsors.

Getting the word out

We hope you're following Rob on Facebook, where he posts regularly on what he's doing. But we know that's not enough,. so we're starting to make inroads into the press. Our current press release pack is online at [link]. We'll be aiming to get Rob's name and successes publicised as widely as we can. Let us know if you want to receive his press releases when they're issued - and let us know if you want us to send them to anyone. Got friends in local radio? We want to know. Any in the national press? Just tell us, and we'll make sure that they get to hear about Rob.

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It’s not just the UK that suffers rain it can clearly happen is Austria as this picture taken at the race close to Vienna shows. Luckily things in the Alps improved and snow conditions since have generally been good.

Rob had 10 days at home in February. This has been part of the more structured approach to racing and training that seems to be paying dividends. His program going forward takes him to races in Austria, Switzerland, the English Championships in Bormio, Italy and later in March the British Championships at Meribel.