As the Milan Cortina Winter Games approach, Canada’s bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton competitors are diving deep into preparations for the newly constructed Olympic sliding track. With meticulous training and strategic planning, these athletes are aiming to master the intricacies of the ice before the competition begins.
Mastering the Cortina Sliding Centre
Nestled in the stunning Dolomites of Italy, the Cortina Sliding Centre—also known as the Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre—has been a focal point for Canadian athletes gearing up for the Games. This venue, named after Italy’s six-time Olympic bobsleigh medallist, underwent a significant reconstruction, reopening in 2022 after being closed for over a decade. It has since hosted World Cup races and test events, allowing athletes to gain invaluable experience.
The track is unique due to its recent construction; thus, no athlete arrives with a wealth of prior knowledge. To prepare, Canadian teams have been studying detailed maps of the course, walking its twists and turns, and analysing video footage. This level of preparation is crucial as the athletes commit their race lines to memory, knowing that the slightest miscalculation can derail their performance.
Athletes Share Their Insights
Embyr-Lee Susko, a Canadian luge competitor, shared her excitement about training on the new track. “This was my first time going to a track without a super solid set of lines,” Susko explained. She emphasised the importance of adapting her technique—adjusting her body weight and positioning—to optimise her speed through the various curves.
Every one of the track’s 16 corners has a name tied to the local culture, such as “Lino K2,” honouring mountaineer Lino Lacedelli, and “Antelao,” after the highest mountain in the eastern Dolomites. This local flavour adds to the charm and challenge of the course, making it essential for athletes to learn not just the track but its heritage as well.
Embracing the Challenge
Skeleton Olympian Jane Channell expressed her commitment to mastering the track’s nuances. “We’re trying to look right into the corners, to see what the ice profile is actually doing,” she noted. For Channell, the experience is akin to a dance, where each curve and straightaway has its own rhythm. “Every track has a flow, and it’s like a dance, so you can memorise that dance,” she said, highlighting the importance of feeling the track as much as knowing it.
In bobsleigh, pilot Melissa Lotholz echoed similar sentiments. The team’s collaborative approach involves extensive discussions about track profiles, studying the shapes and expected speeds. “It’s a lot of fun,” Lotholz commented, describing the excitement of working together to unravel the complexities of the track—affectionately dubbed a “giant kilometre-long ice slide puzzle.”
Building a Strong Team Dynamic
The camaraderie amongst the Canadian athletes is palpable as they share strategies and insights. This spirit of collaboration not only fosters a supportive environment but also enhances their collective understanding of the track’s dynamics. With the Games around the corner, these athletes are not just preparing individually; they are building a cohesive team that can adapt and thrive in the face of new challenges.
Why it Matters
The Milan Cortina Winter Games represent a significant opportunity for Canada’s sliding sports athletes. With a new track that levels the playing field, the potential for Canadian success is high. The rigorous preparation and strategic approach being employed could prove pivotal in securing medals. As these athletes navigate the complexities of the Cortina Sliding Centre, their experiences will not only shape their performances but also define the future of their sports in Canada.
