Two members of Canada’s Men’s alpine ski team are using sophisticated training technology at the GM Aerodynamics Laboratory in Warren, Michigan today, seeking that critical aerodynamic edge just weeks away from the start of the World Cup speed season.
Jan Hudec (Calgary, AB), winner of the Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart downhill in 2007, was joined by two-time Nor-Am Cup super-G winner Tyler Nella (Toronto, ON) working on positioning exercises and other tests in the GM wind tunnel.
“I have been fortunate to work with GM staff in the wind tunnel a few times now,” said Hudec, 2007 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships downhill silver medallist. “I feel like I have learned a lot about positioning, about finding the position that works best for me.”
“This sport is so competitive that you have to be searching for the small adjustments that will make you faster than everyone else. We are all seeking the hundredths of a second that will put us on the podium,” he added.
Wind tunnel training is held in the state-of-the-art GM Aerodynamics Laboratory, where automotive engineers develop the aerodynamic specifications for new GM cars and trucks. The initiative is made possible through a unique partnership between GM, Alpine Canada Alpin and Own the Podium 2010.
General Motors has opened its wind tunnel facilities for aerodynamics testing for eight straight years.
“GM provides the technical expertise, world-class facilities and vehicles to drive Canadian skiers to be the best,” said Fred Lautenschlager, Manager, Promotions and Special Events, GM of Canada. “We take our relationship with Alpine Canada Alpin beyond the traditional sponsorship by making the latest aerodynamic technology available to propel Canada’s Team to greater success on the World Cup circuit this year.”
The World Cup Men’s speed season opens with the Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart downhill and super G on Nov. 28 and 29 respectively. That will be followed by Ladies downhill races on Dec. 4 and 5 and super G Dec. 6.
ABOUT ALPINE CANADA ALPIN
Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) is the governing body for alpine ski racing in Canada with more than 50,000 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteer members and over 200,000 supporting members. ACA manages the high performance programs for the athletes of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team who represent Canada throughout the world. For more information on Alpine Canada Alpin, visit www.canski.org.
