Reports of the Monegasque Olympic Committee
Rain check for Arnaud Alessandria
The downhill event, cancelled today due to intense winds, will take place on Monday. Like the other competitors, the Monegasque skier has had to be patient.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II, up close with the Monegasque delegation, was in Yanqing today, pictured here alongside Arnaud Alessandria, Jacques Pastor (trainer) and Johan Eliasch (President of ISF). (photo COM)
The men’s downhill should have launched the Alpine ski events for the Beijing Winter Games. But the wind went and did it again this Sunday, preventing this first competition from taking place. “It was already complicated on Friday.” Arnaud Alessandria tells us. On Saturday yesterday, the last training session was simply cancelled. “With gusts of wind of over 60km/h at the summit of the run, this was the logical decision.” the Monegasque skier continues. Improved conditions were expected today on the site where H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the number one and loyal supporter of the Principality’s athletes, was present. In vain, despite three successive postponements one hour before the start. “We have to try and lose the least energy possible and be able to get in there as soon as they decide to launch the race.” Due to the ongoing gusts of wind, the race directors sent all the competitors back into the warm. Back to the Yanqing Olympic Village where Arnaud Alessandria took the opportunity to enjoy a few treatments and get some rest. “Like everyone else, I had been up since 6.30 am. It was a rather long and demanding day.” The downhill run was therefore rescheduled for the following day Monday, between two heats of the women’s giant slalom. “We are used to this sort of postponement. It’s something quite common.” Indeed, at the Pyeongchang (2018) and Vancouver (2010) Games, the skiers had to wait four and two days respectively before being able to take part in this speed event.
While waiting for the competition to start, bobsledder Boris Vain polishes up his physical preparation at the Olympic Village. All the Monegasque bobsleigh team members (here in the midst of preparing the skids) are ready for action at the Beijing Games (photo COM)
Bobsledders standing ready
In competition on 14th February, the “red and white” bobsleigh team continues to prepare, under the leadership of its trainer Bruno Mingeon. After two days of free training (Anthony Rinaldi, substitute, also took part), Rudy Rinaldi (driver) and Boris Vain (pusher) have been upping their physical training, alternating strength training with specific sprints. All hands on deck for the Monegasque bobsleigh team. Patrice Servelle and Antoine Riou complete the staff members, providing a valuable addition to the team.
Stéphan Maggi,
Press Officer for the Monegasque Olympic Committee