The Crimson and Primose Ice Riders

​After a five year break from the sport, The KRH returned to St Moritz, Switzerland to take part in The Cresta Run. The two week exercise consists of a training week for Lt Pryor and Tpr Mcgarrigan followed by the Army Championship the week after where Lt Lynch-Staunton and LCpl Samuels will join them.

For those unfamiliar with The Cresta Run, it is similar to a bobsleigh track that you would expect to see at the Winter Olympics, except the run is carved out of natural ice. The course has been going since 1884 and, slightly worryingly, you can actually crash out of the smooth groove into the snow and ice on each side.

The week began in heavy snow, not the best conditions for going fast down the track, but for Lt Pryor and Tpr McGarrigan it was the last thing on their mind as they attended the day's beginners course. In fact, such was the amount of snow on the run the beginners, who are told to 'go slow', finishing times were over 100 seconds. This was much to the displeasure of the Club Secretary who was sure to let you, and everyone else, know over the tannoy.

Until riders are more experienced they have to ride the track from Junction Hut. This is just over halfway up and means that riders must safely navigate only 7 turns before the finish line. The most difficult of which is the infamous Shuttlecock Corner. If a rider is going too fast or has a bad line going into Shuttlecock he will be sent out of the track and into the snow. Tpr McGarrigan has had first hand experience of this on a number of occasions this week!

As the week progressed, both Lt Pryor and Tpr McGarrigan's times were steadily decreasing. Lt Pryor managed a 51.86 sec and Tpr Mcgarrigan a best of 57.73 sec which should put them in good stead for next week's Army Championship, specifically the Novice Cup.

Stay tuned to hear how The Regiment fares at the Army Championships on January 21st.