Alpine season reaching its culmination! 20.2.2008

The Alpine season began more than three months ago in Sölden, after which the World Cup, Europa Cup and FIS events have seen inspired performances from Finnish skiers.

The World Cup tour has passed the midway point and in the technical disciplines there are still four slaloms left for women and three for men. Last weekend in Garmisch a men's slalom was held in which Jukka Leino earned his first  World Cup points by finishing 23rd. In the giant slalom, there are still three men's and two women's races to be held.

Tanja has the slalom crystal ball in her sights

Tanja Poutiainen's speed on the competition slopes has been so good that she even has a chance of snatching the slalom crystal ball! Lying fourth in the overall slalom cup, Tanja is nine points behind the third placed skier and only 113 points behind the leader. In the giant slalom, Tanja is currently in fifth position, but only 27 points away from third place.

Among the men, Finland's number one Kalle Palander had to abandon his season due a long-standing leg injury. The good promise he showed in the hunt for the giant slalom crystal ball unfortunately turned to dust. In the World Cup, Marcus Sandell has broken into the top 20 with his outstanding giant slalom performances. Mare currently lies 18th in the giant slalom cup standings. Next in line for Mare are giant slalom and Super-G events at the venue for the 2010 Olympics, Vancouver in Canada.

Jukka Leino has performed really well in the Europa Cup and leads the EC giant slalom cup. So, fingers crossed that Finland will get a cup winner this year to follow Marcus' victory last year!

On the Para-Alpine Ski front, Katja Saarinen ended her busy January competition schedule by snatching another third place in the Europa Cup at Sollefteå, Sweden. Katja has a chance of being in the top three overall at the end of the season in both the slalom and giant slalom.

Sanni and Andreas lead the way to Junior World Championships

The Alpine Junior World Ski Championships will be held in Jaca Formigal, Spain on 24-29 February. A team of nine will compete in both the speed and technical disciplines. In addition to experience, success is also expected: Sanni Leinonen and Andreas Romar are hoping for success at the championships, but are under no pressure. As a versatile skier, Andreas may even pull off a surprise in the speed events!

Alpine Skiing makes it on to stamps

Finnish Alpine Skiing has taken big strides forward. In recognition for all the hard work, Alpine Skiing will receive its own series of postage stamps. One of the stamps features Tanja Poutiainen in her green competition suit.

The Alpine Skiing season has been action-packed in many ways. Let's have more of the same until the final event is completed!