In December 2008 The Vikings entered a team of snowboarders into the Army Snowboard Association (ASA) Championships held on the Stubai Glacier, Neustift in Austria.  The competition is now well established and has been increasing in size over the last 10 years becoming the fastest growing sport in the British Army.  Dominated by the Corps of the Army, The Vikings were one of only three Infantry teams to enter this years competition that saw over 200 competitors take part. 

The Competition has moved a long way from the days of lycra and ski boots, and this is reflected in the change in emphasis with the three disciplines of the competition. 

The Championship Events

Parallel Giant Slalom sees two snowboarders competing against each other down identical slaloms (blue and red) that are side by side.  It is the best of two races so the riders race both slaloms with the first to cross the finishing line winning.

Boarder Cross consists of a fast technical course with jumps, rollers and tightly banked corners with race gates scattered across the course for riders to negotiate as well as the physical terrain.  It combines the speed and technicality of slalom racing with the bravery and adrenaline of hitting big jumps; all of which is thrown together with up to 6 riders racing each other simultaneously! 

Slopestyle is the most recent event to feature in the ASA Championship with this year's competition being the first competitive Slopestyle event.  The course consists of a number of 'kickers' or jumps, usually three, with a number of other obstacles such as rails and boxes.  The riders aim is to make it down the course performing as many tricks as possible on the obstacles and jumps.  Points are awarded for the difficulty, amplitude and style of the trick along with the creativity of the trick.  See the photos of the Viking Team in action during the competition.  

The team was based around 7 riders who are all keen snowboarders although only two of the team had previous competition experience.  Based out of Neustift the team quickly learnt to use the natural terrain of the town to their advantage and could be seen practicing rail slides outside the team flat, and jumping a kicker that they built on the slope in the back garden!  There was even an impromptu session in a local skateboard park!  See the photos section to find out what went on. 

Results

The Viking Snowboarding Team were hugely successful, finishing 3rd in the Overall Competition but they were crowned Champions of the Slopestyle Event with the with both Individual Gold going to Sgt Ben 'Shropdog' Shropshire and the team Gold also going to the Vikings.  This was an especially remarkable success given the lack of experience of the Viking Team with all four qualifying members finishing in the top 25 out of over 100 riders.

 Sponsorship

The Viking Snowboard Team is looking to join forces with local businesses to help assist the team in the purchase of new equipment for both training and competition.  The great results achieved were with minimal funding and no training aids, so just imagine what progress could be made with some help from private enterprise.  If your business would like to support the Viking Team, please get in touch with Captain Mark Taylor on 01483 752394 or e-mail him at:
regimental-careers-officer@anglian.army.mod.uk

Your assistance will go towards helping soldiers achieve sporting success when not deployed on operations around the world.