BOBSLEIGH: The Australian men’s bobsleigh crew will continue their journey towards a 2018 Olympic berth when they take to the IBSF World Cup circuit in St Mortiz this weekend.
Having been regulars on the North American Cup circuit, the crew of Lucas Mata, Hayden Smith, David Mari and Lachlan Reidy will make their first World Cup appearance together at the Swiss event, competing in both the 2man and 4man events.
Pilot and Sochi Olympian Lucas Mata said the St Moritz track was like something he had never seen before.
“So I had my first runs down this track and wow,” said Mata, who along with his teammates, is trying to finalise their Olympic qualification and nomination processes.
“It’s the Mecca of bobsled tracks, all natural and hand crafted each year.
“I’ve been here once as a brakeman but I was the pilot on this track and it was next level.”
The boys have shown that a spot on the Olympic start line in February is the one and only priority.
“We have the equipment, drive and push to be competitive so we will head into this weekend to really prove a point.”
Mata said a top 15-20 finish is a realistic goal for this weekend’s competition.
“The team is really looking forward to getting great results and then getting back to Calgary to get some solid training in before Korea.
“We aren’t messing around anymore!”
The Aussies had also had some help from some Northern neighbours with the Canadian and Dutch teams lending them sleds at the last minute.
“Without the help of the Dutch team and Canadian team we wouldn’t have been able to compete.
“Absolutely legendary by them. The sliding community is so good like that.”
The Aussie crew will compete in the 2man event on January 13th at 1pm (11pm AEDT) and take to the track at 11:45am (9:45pm) on January 14th in the 4man.
Follow the boys in green and gold at http://www.ibsf.org/en/ibsf-tv
Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au
