PyeongChang 2018 cross course drawing and 3D video released
Aug 31, 2018·Ski Cross
As we close the door on 2017 and welcome the dawn of 2018, the ski community at large can now set its sights firmly on the main event of the year looming ever larger on the horizon - the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Korea.
Between the men’s and the ladies’ competitions there will be 20 Freestyle Skiing medal events set to be contested from February 9-23 at the PyeongChang 2018’s Phoenix Park freestyle skiing venue, with the ski cross competitions slated for February 21 (men) and 23 (ladies) set to be two of the marquee competitions of the Games.
With the eyes of the world certain to be trained on what promises to be two of the most thrilling competitions of PyeongChang 2018, it seems suitable that the ski (and snowboard) cross course - constructed by Torino 2006 and Vancouver 2010 Official Builders White Industries - is expected to be one of the most breathtaking venues at the Games.
Similarly to the cross course at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, the track at Phoenix Park will be a hybrid creation, with the shared start and finish sections separated in the middle of the course by divergent lines for the skiers and snowboarders, with each line built to accommodate the particular features that facilitate the best in cross competition for each particular sport.
[FACEBOOK ID=""]
To trace the ski cross route in the course drawing above, begin at the start gate, where the first feature of the course is sure to be one of the most iconic, as a 2m freefall into a steep landing will lead the skiers straight into a big technical step-up, step-down feature.
Winding down from there, over the first jump, around the banked right corner, and over the “dragon’s back” feature, the skiers will then take the left line where the course splits, making their way through a series of jumps and cutting twice across the snowboard line before a dramatic corner “butter box” feature and another jump leads them back into the shared line that will send them to towards the finish.
A set-up roller section and another banked right corner will propel the athletes into the finish drag strip, where a set of four make-or-break features will test every ounce of the athletes’ skills on their way into the finish stadium where, for the lucky ones, Olympic glory awaits. With each feature of the final strip boasting multiple landings, expect to see all kinds of fireworks and drama as different athletes find different ways to generate extra speed as they race for gold.
As excitement continues to build ahead of PyeongChang 2018, the release of the official course drawing for the Olympic ski and snowboard cross course only adds to the growing anticipation. With snowmaking progress well over 50% complete and the White Industries team preparing to begin work by the middle of January, it’s all systems go at Phoenix Park.
QUICK LINKS:
)
