cresta ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Transcription

1 cresta ANNUAL REPORT 2015

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3 ROYAL AIR FORCE CRESTA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Introduction The Royal Air Force s links with the Cresta Run were established even before the Service came into being. Hugh Trenchard, the Royal Air Force s founder, first rode the Cresta Run in 1901 during a period of convalescence in St Moritz. He had been suffering from a serious back injury, which was supposedly completely cured by a heavy fall on the Cresta Run. While this approach to back injuries is generally not to be recommended, it appears to have worked for Trenchard, as the following week he went on to win the Freshman s and Beginner s Cup for the season. After the Second World War, Trenchard saw the Cresta as an opportunity to deliver a very high quality of personal development training, and a test of fighting spirit, to the Services. He initiated the Inter-Services Championship on the Cresta Run in 1950 and today we still compete for the Lord Trenchard Trophy for the individual Service Champion, alongside the all-important team event, the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy. This Championship, and the preparation for it, is the focus of our activities on the Cresta Run. This year, as last, we approached the Championship as underdogs, with a relatively junior Squad pitched against the very experienced Royal Navy and Army Squads. This would be another year of building experience and developing junior riders for the future. This season was also a good reminder that Inter-Services Cresta, as Trenchard understood, is about more than just winning. As Service riders, all of us have the unique opportunity to test ourselves against the world s steepest and most challenging ice run. Thanks to the support of the various Service sports bodies, and the terrific support of our supporters and friends, we continue to benefit from high quality equipment and the chance to use it to the limit of our abilities each year. Despite the limited experience available, the Royal Air Force Squad worked hard and performed superbly this season, making the Royal Air Force competitive in a very fast field and on a very fast Run. Most riders produced their best times of the season, and in several cases their best times ever, amid the pressure and distractions of the Inter- 3

4 Services Race Day. Our riders, at all levels of experience, had their fighting spirit tested and, on the day, they acquitted themselves with distinction. Trenchard would have approved. Royal Air Force Cresta Squad 2015 With the aim of developing strength and depth for the future, we were aiming for a big Squad this year. In the event, we suffered some last-minute cancellations, with Danny Burke deployed on operations, Andy de Gier moved up onto a flying training course and beginner Rich Liddle constrained by unexpected domestic commitments. Also unavailable were Jason Murray, waiting for a baby and preparing for an operational deployment, Greg Atkins who was about to undergo a minor operation, and Russ Cripps. Despite this, we fielded a Squad of 8, plus 2 beginners, and one other. The other was Jim Smith, last year s beginner, who (due to Service commitments) couldn t join the Squad for the Inter- Services period. Jim was only available for the first week of January and, thanks to his determination and the very able assistance of Tim Hill as his instructor, he made his way out to the Cresta for a week to complete a Flat Top conversion, leaving him perfectly placed to start next season as a new Flat Top rider. 4

5 The 2015 Squad was as follows: Wg Cdr Andrew Green Headquarters No. 22 (Training) Group Captain Gp Capt Tim Below Defence Attache, Vietnam Wg Cdr Pete Cochrane Air Staff, Ministry of Defence Secretary Sqn Ldr Joss Wilson Officer Commanding Joint Forward Air Controller Training and Standards Unit, RAF Leeming Sqn Ldr Sam Fletcher Headquarters No. 1 Group Sqn Ldr Rob McCartney Navy Command Headquarters, Portsmouth Flt Lt Mark Paxman Central Air Traffic Control School, RAF Shawbury SAC James Abbott 3 Force Protection Squadron, RAF Wittering Flat Top Conversion: Flt Lt Jim Smith Ministry of Defence Beginners: Flt Lt Adam Meyer 78 Squadron, RAF Benson Cpl Stephen Kingdom Ministry of Defence St Athan Training This year we introduced a comprehensive Safety Management Plan for Royal Air Force Cresta, which outlines how we train and supervise all aspects of Royal Air Force Cresta. This plan will be expanded next season to include a Training Guide for all activities (Junction Beginner, Top Beginner, Flat Top conversion, etc.), to provide our instructor cadre with the equivalent of the Club s Hints for Beginners. These documents ensure that we remain fully compliant with the latest Service requirements to deliver effective and well-managed training in this potentially high-risk environment. We Equipment 5

6 don t just need to ride quickly, we also need to do it safely. Training for the Inter-Services covered the 2½ week period from Monday 12th to Wednesday 28th January. As previously mentioned, Jim Smith had already completed a week s Junction riding and once again Royal Air Force Cresta is indebted to Tim Hill for his assistance. While Jim had to leave St Moritz before Top opened on 13 January, we are expecting great things from him next season, based on his excellent Flat Top performance including a blistering 45 sec ride from Junction. The first training task was to break in our 2 beginners for this season, Adam Meyer and Stephen Kingdom. Both riders attacked the task with enthusiasm and determination. It is easy to forget how physically and mentally challenging it is to be a Beginner on the Cresta. Very early (and cold) morning starts and long periods of waiting around are added to the uncertainty of the new environment. There is also high level of expectation placed upon our Service riders, with every ride and every mistake closely observed, and all reviewed on video in front of the team each evening. In RAF Cresta, there is nowhere to hide! Adam and Stephen rose to the challenge of this high-pressure experience, both qualifying for 6

7 Top during their second week of riding. This is an impressive rate of progress, particularly when compared with the equivalent progress of non-service beginners, who may spend years trying to qualify for Top, if indeed they ever do. Adam and Stephen embraced the jump from Junction to Top, both demonstrating ideal Top Beginner rides. Remarkably, Adam got to Top without a single fall on the Cresta. He still has yet to fall at Shuttlecock, although (just to be different) he did sneak in a quick Brabazon fall before Race Day. Overall, both of this season s Beginners show great promise for the future, with Flat Top conversions to look forward to next. Training for the 8 experienced Squad members went well, with all riders reaching Race day fully serviceable. Last to arrive in St Moritz was Pete Cochrane, who made a welcome return for only his second visit in the past 6 years, giving him a chance for a few day s training before Race Day. Sam Fletcher was hampered by having to return to the UK for a week, while Tim Below flew in all the way from Vietnam, complete with jet lag. The remainder of the Squad managed a consistent training period, helped by reasonable weather throughout the period, with some occasional cold nights making for exciting riding the next morning. The Run was very quick this year, with a relatively user-friendly Shuttlecock enabling fast and confident riding. Early on in the training period, it was obvious that all 3 Services would be setting fast times this season. The task for the Royal Air Force riders was to minimise the experience advantage that the other 2 Services enjoyed, making sure that we rode quickly and consistently at we approached Race Day. There was little likelihood that we could beat them for sheer speed, but if the other teams started making mistakes, we needed to be right there behind them. 7

8 The Inter-Services Championship Thursday 29 January 2015 dawned cold and rather cloudy. The Run was in excellent condition, as usual, so everything was in place for a great competition. The Royal Air Force Team comprised Andy Green, Mark Paxman, James Abbott, Joss Wilson, Tim Below and Pete Cochrane. Our remaining riders, Rob McCartney, Adam Meyer, Stephen Kingdom and Sam Fletcher would all ride in the Harland Trophy. The first course of the Inter-Services showed that both Royal Navy and Army teams were going to make full use of their experience. Royal Navy Team Captain David Potter made a remarkable start, riding a 53 only the fourth time in the history of the Championship that a rider has done so on Race Day. The crowd watched with bated breath to see if the Army s lead rider, Sam Seccombe, could match this feat. However, it was not to be, as Sam fell at Shuttlecock. As a result, the Royal Navy finished the first course a few seconds in the lead. A huge effort by the Royal Air Force team saw James Abbott and Mark Paxman producing their fastest ever rides, Pete Cochrane a tenth off his fastest ever, and Andy Green and Tim Below on their fastest times of the season. Despite this, the Army s strength in depth kept them in second place, just ahead of the Royal Air Force in third. 8

9 Things were looking more interesting than expected. The Royal Navy consolidated their lead during the second course, while the Royal Air Force continued to produce some of their fastest times, including Joss Wilson getting within a tenth of his fastest ever. Despite this impressive performance, the Army eased slightly further ahead to leave them in a more comfortable second place. A fall could still change everything at this point, but it was not be to be. Sam Seccombe turned out to be the only faller of the race and the order after the third course remained Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force. The atmosphere at Finish was very much one of celebration for the Royal Air Force, with all riders delivering Race Day performances of which they could be proud. The Harland Trophy was won by Andy Mills. As a Royal Navy Reservist, Andy rode in the Prince Philip last year, but discussions between the 3 Services and the Club recognised that including Reservists in Inter-Service Championships was not really intended to allow the Club s Assistant Secretary to ride for the Royal Navy on Race Day, hence Andy s move back to the Harland for this season. Hard on Andy s heels, Rob McCartney delivered his fastest ever time, a 58, to leave him in fourth place, just behind Clifton Wrottesley. 9

10 Immediately behind Rob in fifth place was Adam Meyer, delivering his 3 fastest ever times from Top, with his final ride a 60. Stephen Kingdom matched this achievement, also delivering his 3 fastest ever times and also finishing on a 60. Impressive stuff from our 2 Beginners this season. Sam Fletcher also delivered his fastest times of the season, although he was well down the field having missed a week of training, finishing just behind the cluster of former Royal Air Force riders (Steve Abbott, Tim Hill, Mark Adams and Baz Vracas). We were extremely fortunate to be supported during the Championship by Air Vice Marshal Andy Turner, Air Officer Commanding No 22 (Training) Group. Also in St Moritz for Race Day was Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper. While the Air Marshal was nominally supporting all 3 Services and representing the Combined Services Winter Sports Association, we made sure he was dressed in Royal Air Force colours and understood that he was riding for his own Service! Both senior officers competed in the Silver Spoon, and after a hard-fought competition which produced nearidentical final results, Air Marshal Sir Christopher finished just marginally ahead in the Air Marshals race. 10

11 Overall, this was a good Race Day for the Royal Air Force, with many impressive individual performances. Indeed, one of the retired Royal Air Force riders commented that in years past, this Team would have been fast enough to win. As the Royal Air Force Squad develops its experience and performance, things continue to look good for the future. Throughout the Inter-Services period, we were superbly supported (as ever) by the St Moritz Tobogganing Club. We remain extremely grateful, and very privileged, to have access to this unique and worldfamous venue, proudly competing in this event which dates back to The senior officers from all 3 Services made a point of publicly recognising the value of our relationship with the Club, highlighting just how much this support and friendship means to all of the Services and their supporters. Riding the Cresta is a uniquely challenging experience that has to be experienced to be understood. Lying only inches from the ice and at travelling at 70 miles per hour, acutely aware that very real (and painful) hazards lie in wait to punish the smallest of errors, requires great personal courage and determination. All those who are fortunate enough to compete in this remarkable environment will have learned much about themselves, and should be proud of their efforts and achievements. They have all built a solid foundation for the future. 11

12 Equipment The new batch of helmets has proved to be a major step forwards. A number of the old helmets had reached the end of their lives, while the remainder suffered from poor fitting and visor fogging (which is always unsettling on the world s steepest ice run). The doubleglazed flip-up visor on the new helmets is a big improvement, although a number of us found that it introduced a new problem, namely remembering to close the visor before setting off! The helmets were funded through a Royal Air Force Sports Board grant and we are extremely grateful for this essential upgrade to our safety equipment. The toboggans remain in good condition, with a fleet of good-quality Flat Tops and Traditionals allowing us to support our riders at all levels of experience. We remain very fortunate to have the technical support of St Moritz Tobogganing Club Member Louis Piana, who provides the in-depth maintenance of our toboggans to a very high standard. The intention is to maintain current toboggan numbers and to continue to upgrade the Flat Top fleet, aiming to buy a good-quality second hand Flat Top each year and gradually pension off our oldest toboggans. The next task for the equipment member will be to identify and source replacement riding suits, which will be needed in about 2 years time. 12

13 Funding Jason Murray continues to do a great job as Association Treasurer, despite his other pressures (including an overseas deployment and a new baby). Our greatest expenditure remains riding fees, with life support costs, equipment maintenance, insurance and business development adding to the total. Our income this year came once again from a mixture of non-public funds and private donations: Non-public Funds. We are very fortunate to receive grants from the Combined Services Winter Sports Association (to cover a week of riding fees for the Inter- Services team training), the Royal Air Force Winter Sports Federation (for operating costs and, as a one-off this year, for novice rider development) and the Royal Air Force Sports Board (for equipment maintenance). The Royal Air Force Sports Lottery once again provided individual grants towards travel costs and expenses. This Service support remains pivotal, and without which we would not be able to exploit the personal challenge and development opportunities that Cresta has to offer. Private Donations. The support that we receive from private individuals remains an invaluable part of making RAF Cresta happen. It is the difference between just coping and being able to support a properly-equipped Squad, with sufficient novice 13

14 training and development to provide for our long-term future. The relationship with our private sponsors also enriches the Inter-Services experience for us all and we are extremely fortunate to have their outstanding support. The remainder of the funding is made up by an individual contribution from each Squad member, which averages around 1000 per person. This has been an expensive year for Royal Air Force Cresta, with a significant increase in the riding bill for the season, due to the increased amount of riding required for those gaining experience in this challenging environment. However, this is an essential part of rebuilding the Squad and we will benefit from this investment in the future. Overall, we remain in a sustainable financial position, thanks to the continued support from the Services sports organisations and, of course, from our sponsors and friends. 14

15 The Committee There are a number of significant changes coming up in the Committee. Joss Wilson will shortly take over from Andy Green as Chairman, while Mark Paxman will assume the role of Captain (and Training Member), to support Joss. Pete Cochrane has relinquished his role as Secretary, and Sam Fletcher has volunteered to step in and take over. As a result, the Committee for next season will be: Chairman Captain/Training Member Secretary Treasurer Equipment Member Joss Wilson Mark Paxman Sam Fletcher Jason Murray Mark Paxman An additional role to look after PR and recruiting is also being considered, in order to improve the visibility of Cresta within the Royal Air Force and to increase the number of novice applicants we have each year. 15

16 Social Events St Moritz offers many opportunities for the Services to market themselves, away from the Run, in front of a highly diverse and influential audience. While the Services in general are highly respected in St Moritz, the Royal Air Force tends to do particularly well in terms of engagement with the civilian community. As in previous years, we were invited to several social events hosted by Club Members, as a mark of the esteem in which the British military is held. The annual Inter-Services Reception, held in the Clubhouse of the St Moritz Tobogganing Club, was once again immensely popular. With a strong turn out from both the Club and the key figures from the town, we made the most of the opportunity to showcase the Services and to thank all those who enable and support the Inter-Services Championship in this remarkable Club. 16

17 The social highlight for the Royal Air Force was, as always, the Royal Air Force Dinner in the Hotel Soldanella on the Monday of Race Week. It is always a great pleasure to be able to invite our sponsors, supporters and friends, as the Royal Air Force Cresta family, to join us for this special evening. Soldanella proprietor Urs Degiacomi, who has supported the Royal Air Force team with great generosity for many years, delivered the usual excellent standard of fare at an event that gave us the chance to say a personal Royal Air Force thank you to all those who support the Squad. Summary The 2015 season was a successful one for Royal Air Force Cresta. New talent, developing talent, and a whole sack-full of personal achievements on Race Day all bode well for the future. The fact that we came third to the Royal Navy and the Army seems of relatively little consequence at this point. We re getting faster and stronger each season and it s only a matter or time before we re fighting for the Championship again. In the meantime, the opportunity to ride (and race) on the Cresta has given us another chance to refresh our fighting spirit in this exciting and personally challenging environment. Royal Air Force Cresta remains fortunate to have a range of good-quality and wellmaintained of equipment, with which to develop our riding and racing skills. More importantly, we remain very fortunate to have such sterling support from the Services sports organisations and from private individuals. This collective support allows us to 17

18 participate in this remarkable sport every year, and we are hugely grateful for the support and the friendship that continues to nurture the Royal Air Force Cresta Family. To ride the Cresta Run is to espouse, develop, and demonstrate the finer military qualities that our Services depend upon during peacetime and on operations. Challenging your own perceived physical and mental limitations, exercising fine judgement in the face of immediate hazard, and working to support each other under pressure, sets sports such as Cresta apart. Royal Air Force Cresta develops combat-winning qualities in our people and at the same time gives them the opportunity to act as powerful ambassadors for the Royal Air Force. On a personal note, it has been my great privilege to lead this Association over the past few years. I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received, and even more so for all the help and support given to Royal Air Force Cresta during this period. As I hand over, I believe that Royal Air Force Cresta is in fine form and I know it will be in good hands for the future. Andy Green Wing Commander Chairman, Royal Air Force Cresta 18

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