The Red River Racing Team Wins at Trials!!
Ben Kvanli and Shaun Smith Make Team U.S.A.!!
Download Press Release Here!!!
This Weekend the United States National Team Trials were held in Southbend, Indiana. These trials are three days of excitement and competition where athletes from around the country compete to fill the positions on the National Whitewater Slalom Team. These athletes will represent the U.S.A. at international World Cup races, as well as the World and Pan Am Championships!
Ben Kvani and Shaun Smith placed first and have qualified for their chance to represent the U.S. in this summer's World Cup circuit. " It was a hard fought race,"said Kvanli." We wanted to win, but it was important for us to make the time percentage to be able to compete in the World Cups." Shaun Smith added, "I thought we did well. I am happy with the results and looking forward to racing in the World Cups. I think we have a good chance of placing in the top two-thirds at the races." Kvanli and Smith need to place in the top two-thirds of their international competition to be able to race in the World Championships to be held in Prague, Czech Republic. The World Cups will be held in Athens, Greece, Augsberg, Germany, and Seu d'Urgell, Spain.
Michelle Clements also competed in this years trials. She placed fourth on the first day of competition, narrowly missing third by two seconds. Michelle had her best trials ever, but looks forward to more improvement. " I had a blast and I was happy with my runs. I would have liked to have stayed off the poles more, but overall my times were good. With the amount of training that I was able to do for the race, I am pleased." Michelle is looking forward to helping Ben and Shaun in their efforts and continuing to grow the instructional programs offered at the POC.
To see more from this weekend's event please go to www.usack.org. You can check out all the results from each day, see pictures, and read articles!
Want to see more slalom action? Check out the video done for the 2005 Pan American and National Championships held in Kernville, CA. It is a great way to see what slalom is all about!! (Video is at the bottom of the Photos page!).
Congratulations to all of the 2006 United States Whitewater Slalom Team!!
