2 athletes to go before I’m up.

I sit elevated by the jack stand on my sled in the pits flipping the throttle to warm up my sled.

The clutches engage and squeeze the belt.

The RPM’s rev high as the track spins free.

The tuned bark of the exhaust and whistle of the turbo is music to my ears.

Alright, last racer on the hill before I’m up, time to head to the starting line.

I pull the ski tips up just before the light.

Seated, I make final check that my tether is secure, gloves, helmet and gear are good to go.

I close my eyes for one last vision of the lines I’m going to take.

I tell myself, breath, eyes up, smooth is fast.

The light goes green….its go time!

I stand up and set my feet on the running boards say a prayer and crack the throttle.

It’s a blur of red and blue numbered gates as they go buy one buy one.

I feel the power of the motor tug on my arms as the track digs into the snow lifting the skis from corner to corner.

The sled floats through the bumps as my suspension soaks up each big mogul and hole throughout the course.

I dance back and forth from side to side in perfect harmony with my sled as I speed through the lights at top.

My lines were good, my sled was fast, I wonder if it was enough?

As I return to the bottom and enter the pits, my crew gives me the thumbs up.

Yes!!! I just won the class.  This is what it’s all about.  This is what I have been training for.