FAST Trip to K1 Westerns

From February 18 – 20th the K1 Westerns were held at Sliver Star Resort near Vernon BC. Six racers from FAST attended and had a great time; tubing at Tubetown, Playing cards, and Racing.

 Simon Bernard had an outstanding weekend wining three individual races and was crowned Overall Male Champion of the 2011 K1 Westerns.

Congratulations Simon, below are some of Simon’s reflections from the weekend.

            “Vernon, British Columbia was a first visit for myself, Simon Bernard from Fernie B.C.. As the mountain came into sight, my expectations were uneasy, even if I had 7 hours of sitting in a car pondering about them. Not only did I have to speculate my own goals, but also study the competition level among other athletes. As the training day approached, I recognized and socialized with familiar faces from last years' provincial race, and became somewhat familiar with the mountain. I examined the GS course for the following day and noticed a very horizontal run, which I grasped wasn't my speciality from certain past experiences. Nonetheless, my expectations of self-performance remained high and I slumbered with a positive vibe.

            Come race day, I was quite collected and I had two solid runs. Even though I was content with my runs, I was not fully satisfied with the results. With an accepting shrug, I looked forward and anticipated a great slalom day.

            Saturday had come to fast and a lack of sleep had come along with it. Barely bright-eyed for the inspection of the course, I had admired the bluebird day changing places with the low, curious clouds  watched from a birds eyed view. I had mixed feelings about being first to begin the boys' Slalom. Presumptions of my results were not worthy of thinking about at this point. I put a solid run with few mistakes on a fresh track. Watching the equally (or so I thought more) talented racers coming down the race course. My two dialled runs had held up and I was ecstatic.

            Sunday was yet another day of sun bathing and goggle tan improving for the "Kombi Cross" event. With another swell bib start and another solid run the day fortunately ended early with another win, and I had a promising few hours of sleep to catch up on during the 7 hour car excursion. Which didn't feel too long thinking about my admirable weekend!”

Simon Bernard