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World Cup Bobsled/Skeleton Tour Opens in the Adirondacks

11/05/2012

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- The United States' bobsled and skeleton teams will try to get off to fast starts when the eight-race 2012-'13 Viessman World Cup bobsled and skeleton series opens on the Olympic Sports Complex track, at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, in Lake Placid, N.Y., Nov. 8-10.

ORDA Photo

The squad should be carrying plenty of confidence into these races on the one-mile long course. Last February, the U.S. captured a record five medals, including four gold, when the same track played host to the season-ending 2012 FIBT World Championships.

"I'm excited to be starting the season in Lake Placid. I'm fastest on this track as you saw back in February," said U.S. bobsled pilot Steve Holcomb, who raced to three world championship gold medals, including the United States' first-ever two-man world crown. "I'm hoping I can keep the momentum going and start the season on a high note. It will help set the tone for the rest of the season."

Maximilian Arndt is also looking forward to returning to Lake Placid. The 25 year-old, who is entering his ninth season driving for Germany, won his first-career world championship two-man medal when he claimed bronze on the 20-curve track. Arndt was also second to Holcomb in the four-man race.

Canada's Kaillie Humphries and United States' Elana Meyers will pilot two sleds to watch during the women's bobsled race. Humphries, the reigning Olympic champion, claimed gold at worlds to close out last season, edging Meyers, who finished third. This was Meyers' first world championship medal as a driver. She had claimed silver as a brakeman in 2009 before winning Olympic bronze the following season, also as a brakeman.

The skeleton racing should be equally as exciting as both reigning world champions return to Lake Placid. Latvia's "Superman" Martins Dukurs dominated last season winning seven of eight World Cup events before grabbing world championship gold. American Katie Uhlander, a two-time overall World Cup champion, is also eying a fast start after she wrapped up last season with gold at Worlds.

"It's a tremendous honor to host the world championships and we're equally honored to be the first stop on the World Cup tour," added the track's general manager Tony Carlino. "I can't think of a better venue to host the first race of the season. This track, as always, promises to challenge all of the skills of each of these world-class athletes."

A cold Tuesday morning will mean FAST ice. That's Whiteface in the background.

Action begins each day at 9 a.m. Thursday's slate features women's and men's skeleton action, while Friday's line-up includes two-man and women's bobsled, as well as the women's and men's skeleton finals. The two-heat, four-man race is set for Saturday. 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for juniors and seniors. Fans who bring a non-perishable food item to the gate will receive free admission, limited one food item per ticket, per person.

Shot taken from the Lake Placid boat launch off Mirror Lake Drive

Enjoy the races this week!