THE next generation of budding Winter Olympians took part in a major inter-schools race at Bracknell Ski Centre.

The second annual competition took place earlier this month involving 69 pupils from 18 schools from across Berkshire and Surrey.

The arrival of the ‘Beast from the East’ wreaked havoc with the schedule, but it failed to stop the children from putting their skills to the test.

Fullbook School’s Year 7 pupil Lucas Collyer-Todd was the fastest racer of the day, but his victory wasn’t enough to prevent Garth Hill College, Bracknell, from retaining their title in the secondary schools division.

Leighton Park School from Reading secured the silver-medal position, and St Crispin’s of Wokingham claimed the bronze.

“I was super happy with my performance, as I knew it was going to be tough competition,” said Lucas.

“There was a really good crowd atmosphere and it was great to see so many new and up-and-coming racers, especially many who were racing for the first time for their schools.”

Bracknell News:

Action from the inter-schools races at Bracknell Ski Centre.

Zoe Flitton, representing the Berkshire Race Squad (BRS), was the fastest female racer in the secondary division.

Teams from the Ravenscote Community Junior School, Camberley, dominated the junior section, sandwiching Pyrford CofE, Woking, in second.

Kay Boeber-Vaughan, a Ravenscote parent, said: “The BRS inter-schools competition was a fantastic opportunity for schools in the area to develop and showcase their ski talent in a fun and safe environment.

“It was an extremely well-organised event, and I would like to pass on our sincere thanks to the organisers for making this possible — the children had a great time.”

Pyrford produced both the fastest male and junior racers for this category, Genevieve and Hayden Cassidy.

This was many of the children’s first race on a dry ski slope, although they were well prepared with training and practice sessions in the run-up to the event.

Children from Year 1 to 13 were represented, with Lily Flitton of Holyport CofE Primary School and Prior Heath Infants School’s Jamie Robertson finishing best racers in the infant category.

The event was organised by the BRS committee, with the support of John Nike Leisuresport and sponsored by Snowsport South.

Organisers had worked extremely hard to get the event on after several days of snow and blizzards.

Linda Miller of BRS said: “Even on in the day it was touch and go whether we would be able to hold the event. If the freezing conditions had returned we would have had to cancel. But it was a great time, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.”