 Poster: A snowHead
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The Hahnenkamm, certainly the most famous of the Downhill classics will be run Saturday on the Streif piste. Key to winning this race is nailing the top part from the Mousefalle jump followed by a big compression (that has crushed many men) into the Carousal Turn, then over the Steilhung (literally an ice cliff) onto the almost 90 degree right hand turn to the Bruckeschusse, an almost 1000 meter flat road. Bode could do it, but I doubt it. The favourites are without a doubt, the three sitting at the top of the standings, Daron, Fritz and Mickey. The veterans Aamodt, Ghedina, Kjus and Maier could also be key.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Rahlves seems to be on a bit of a roll at the moment, apparently relishes the tougher courses and has previously occupied all three steps of the podium at Kitzbuehel. If I were required to place a bet, I think I'd place it on him.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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It would be a good bet too, but Fritz is hot, he knows the piste (has won twice) and holds the record time. Mickey Walchhofer is hungary to make his first win in Kitzbuehl.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I think it is between Stroebel and Walchhofer. Rahlves was superb on the Lauberhorn, but twice in a row?? He'd have to be superhuman on such a demanding course.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Well, I would argue anybody that can make it down the Streif in a tuck is a superman. This is Daron's favourite piste and he's won here before. Although Strobl and Walchhofer are better gliders, if you are not carrying speed through the top technical section and off the Steilhung into the flats, you're gliding ability is moot. Without mistakes, I'd put my money on Fritz. I'll make a prediction: 1. F. Strobl 2. Rahlves 3. Aamodt 4. Walchhofer 5. Ghedina.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Can anyone explain the physical phenomenon of the compression - the effects on ths skier's position and body?
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Similarly how one would launch into the air at high speed off a bump, one will compress when making a high speed descent into a dip or concave terrain. It takes incredible back and leg strength to absorb a compression like the one off the Mausfalle. If the average skier tried it, your knees would go right up into your chin, you would knock yourself unconscious, compress your spine, crash and probably die. To train, start holding a tuck for two minutes, then increase gradually until you can hold it for seven minutes. When you can finally hold a tuck with a 75 kg friend sitting on your back for two minutes, you are ready to absorb the Mausfalle compression.
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Hywel, it's as if you suddenly gain weight, because of the centripetal force through your skis and legs, required to keep you moving in the curve defined by the cross-section of the dip. If you hit a compression whose arc corresponds to a circle of 30 metres radius, at 100 kph, your 'weight' will very nearly double, within a very short time indeed.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Pundit status to me and Jacques, then!
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FAQ
