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QUEENSTOWN - November 25, 2010:
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He’s off: Kiwi ski racer Tim Cafe prepares to leave for the Northern Hemisphere winter
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Well, it’s that time of year again. Only this year it’s far more tortuous than usual – the hot and dry Wakatipu spring has given me my first taste of summer in eight years. On top of that, instead of heading to Europe for the early part of the season - which shares an autumn not unlike ours - this year it’s straight to Canada. It’s hosting some decent early-season races and there’s plenty of snow now – unlike Europe. Tomorrow’s forecasted high at Panorama resort, Canada? A teeth-chattering minus-18. And that’s balmy compared to the minus-36 the needle dropped to a few nights ago. Too late to change now – I’m on the plane tomorrow.
This season we’ll travel to USA, Canada and Europe, culminating in the World Championships in Garmisch, Germany in February. It might sound like I’m living the dream but the four months will be full of long crazy days on the snow and in the gym. Plus the travel takes its toll.
Competitive sport is very mentally challenging as well so it’s draining the whole time – a hard slog. Thankfully, I’ll be travelling with fellow Olympian Ben Griffin. Originally my travel buddy was Andrew Wylie, another local lad who is championship-bound, but unfortunately his knee is playing up and his departure looks set to be delayed about a month.
We’re waiting on confirmation of a few sponsors before we’re able to bring Nils Coberger with us as a coach. But Ben and I are big boys and I’m sure we can handle coaching each other for the first month.
My goals for this year are focused around the World Champs. I’m aiming for a top-25 finish. My best result last time in 2009 in France was 36th. It’s time to start moving up. The year so far has been a rollercoaster. The Olympics in February were fantastic, followed by some good results in Europe.
The New Zealand winter brought fantastic training but I was disappointed with my results; I know I can ski faster. It’s time to go and prove it.
Queenstown's Tim Cafe (www.timcafe.co.nz) is a member of the NZ Alpine Ski Racing team, competed at Vancouver 2010 Olympics and is sponsored by Jack's Point and Browns Ski Shop
www.jackspoint.com
www.brownsnz.com
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