HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR BRITISH SCHOOLGIRLS RACES
3rd February 2020
Last modified on May 21st, 2021
The 2020 event saw more than 150 young ski racers from 54 schools take part in the French resort of Flaine.
The 61st edition of the British Schoolgirls Races, organised by the Ladies Ski Club, took place over two days of contrasting weather with a Giant Slalom, Parallel Team Slalom and Slalom.
The event welcomed skiers of all levels, ranging from British team racers through to those who were racing on snow for the first time.
One of the main sponsors of the event is PlanetSKI partner, MPI Brokers.
Day One
There were good snow conditions and some sunshine as the girls tackled a two run Giant Slalom race on the Calcite piste.
With four schools attending for the first time, it was a quick learning curve for many of the racers with a few tumbles along the way.
Most of the girls completed the course with a smile, however, and couldn’t wait to get back to the top for a second run.
Overall winner of the GS was Ella Weeks from Guildford High School, with Giselle Gorringe from NCLS in second place and Isabelle Lander in third.
The Best School was Guildford High A with Strathallan in second and New Hall in third.
The Best New Team was Malvern St James.
A Parallel Team Slalom was held for the ‘A’ teams from each school.
The final was contested over three runs with Guildford High School edging out Reed’s to win.
Day Two
Heavy snow and strong winds made things difficult for the racers and organisers alike.
After a delayed start, the Slalom went ahead but as the course became snowier and more chopped up a decision was taken to halt the race on safety grounds and awards prizes based on the first run.
Ella Weeks was the winner, Giselle Gorringe second and Isabelle Lander third.
The best school was again Guildford High A, Strathallan were second and New Hall A third.
“Despite tricky snow conditions on the second day of the event, all the schools and racers seemed to really enjoy the 2020 British Schoolgirls race,” said the organiser, Anne Taylor.
“It was again great to see girls of all levels, and lots of smiles as they crossed the finish line.
“We want to say a huge thank-you to Flaine for hosting us again, all the schools, teachers and parents, as well as our volunteers and sponsors. Without them this event wouldn’t be as professional and smooth running as it is.”
The British Schoolgirls Races are sponsored by MPI Brokers, Vision in Education, JDX, Ski Club of Great Britain and Erna Low Holidays.
The event raised hundreds of pounds for its official charity, Myeloma UK, the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with blood cancer myeloma and related conditions.
Full overall results and age group results can be found at www.britishschoolgirlsraces.co.uk.
All Photos – Courtesy of MPI Brokers
