This January the Regiment returned to St Moritz in Switzerland to tackle the Cresta Run. The team consisting of Capt Pryor, Lt Nicholson and LCpls Selcraig and Roberts, would take on the 1200m ice run, reaching speeds of up to 70mph, should they make it safely round the infamous Shuttlecock corner! The officers were the first pair out, with Lt Nicholson taking beginner’s day in his stride and Capt Pryor looking to retain his place in the Army team.
The two LCpls joined for the second week and had to learn fast as they only had four days of practice before the Army Junction Championships would take place. There were three trophies up for grabs; the Novice Cup (best beginner), the Junction Handicap and the 17th/21st Lancer’s Cup (Pairs open race). If the riders could stay in the run they would have a good shot at coming away with some silverware, however, crash and they're out!
   | As race day arrived the weather had improved dramatically, gone was the falling snow and sluggishly slow ice being replaced by clear skies, freezing temperatures and devilishly fast ice. Whilst the run promised to be quick, it would no doubt catch a number of riders out. Capt Pryor was first down posting a strong time, however, the same couldn’t be said for Lt Nicholson who flew out of the run at Shuttlecock, ending the officer’s hope of any silverware. With hopes now pinned on the LCpls, Roberts threw himself down the run posting a good first split, however, he too couldn’t handle the pace and was duly spat out at shuttlecock into the straw and snow. LCpl Selcraig, however, along with Capt Pryor, got down all three times, posting a PB on his final run, but not enough to place in any of the races. A good season for the KRH that should hopefully see them return next year to utilise their experience and challenge for some trophies. For Capt Pryor it continued to be a good season as he was selected to represent the Army team and in doing so was awarded his full Army winter sports colours for Cresta. The Army team, however, suffered the narrowest of losses at the hands of the Senior Service (just 1.72 seconds over a combined total of 16 runs) and took home second place, ahead of the RAF, in the Inter-Services Championship. The team would like to thank the generosity of all those who provided financial support, without which this wonderful event would never have happened. |
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