Following on from a successful Regional Qualifier round earlier in the term the ski squad, made up of 16 racers from year 5 to year 11, took on the trip to Norwich to take part in the English Schools National Finals.
Saturday was the age group races with the U12 and U14 teams taking on the challenge. This was the first National Final for the prep school team, who came away in 4th place. They were followed by the U14 team made up of skiers from Years 7 and 8. The U14 team were the first of the Surbiton teams to be crowned English National Champions. Special mention also goes to Leia R who won the fastest unregistered female for the day. The pupils did a brilliant job of supporting each other both on and off the slope. Well done for such a fantastic start to the day.
U12 – Mia LV, Clara J and Emily L
U14 – Isa W, Leia R, Gigi D and Sophie J.
Saturday afternoon saw the U16 and U18 skiers’ race, albeit with some more inclement weather. The pouring rain did not deter our racers. The U16 team demonstrated an absolute masterclass in racing and won the U16 category, as well as being the 2nd fastest team of the whole day. The U19 competed in a strong field, with two skiers skiing up in an older age group, but still skied to their absolute best despite the challenges they faced, to finish 4th.
U16 – Immy M, Rose J, Saskia S, and Freya T
U19 – Amy-Rose E, Elizabeth O, Sophia C and Talula E
Sunday was the Open Competition, which saw 17 teams competing for 8 slots to represent England at the British Schools National finals. There was some hard-fought racing with teams battling it out to take their places in the biggest race of the dry slope calendar, so far. As the name suggests this race is across all age groups with no allowances for being a younger team. Both of Surbiton’s teams showed their determination and skied to their full potential, demonstrating how strong they are as a squad. Their effort was shown in the results with both the A team and B team taking two of the top 4 places and ensuring their qualification for the British National Finals, in Llandudno, in November.
The A team, who were quite a young team for an open race, all being in year 10, really showed their skills to take 2nd place overall and the B team fought hard for 4th place, making a Surbiton, Reeds (with 3 SHS alumni skiers), Surbiton sandwich.
A huge congratulations to all racers involved for firstly working together exceptionally well but also for a weekend of brilliant skiing.
A team – Immy M, Saskia S, Rose J and Freya T
B team – Amy-Rose E, Elizabeth O, Sophia C and Isa W
We have also just found out today that from such fantastic performances through this English School Ski Series and finals, all Surbiton pupils who raced have been selected or are reserve invited to train with one of the English Schools Squads.
England Schools National Squad Members.
Cat 1 / U12: Mia LV
Cat 2 / U14: Isa W, Sophie J, Leia R, Gigi D
Cat 3 / U16: Freya T, Saskia S, Immy M, Rose J, Sophia C
Reseves invited to attend the squad training camp in Norway at Easter.
Cat 1 / U12: Emily L, Clara J
Cat 3 / U16: Talula E, Emma L
Cat 4 / U19: Elizabeth O, Amy-Rose E
Learn more about our Ski Programme.
