Baxter boys' mixed fortunes

Published on Thursday 23 February 2006 00:20

OF THE British skiers competing, it was Noel Baxter who emerged with the most encouraging result from the Europa Cup Slalom in Madesimo, Italy, yesterday, the final warm-up event before Saturday's Olympic Men's Slalom in Sestriere.

Alain Baxter skied a very strong first run from a start bib of 15 to lie fourth, but took a slalom gate in the face in the second run and crashed out of the course ten gates from home.

Noel Baxter confirmed his fine slalom form, reinforcing his 11th in the Olympic Combined slalom event, when he skied the sixth fastest second run to finish 17th, 1.23 seconds behind Slovenian winner Mitja Valencic.

Noel, who is struggling with the effects of flu, said: "It was pretty tough today with a very good entry, a lot of guys who will be racing at the Games on Saturday. The light kept changing which made it difficult and it got quite bumpy and rutted when the temperatures came up.

"I struggled to ski a bit today and really felt pretty lousy, but I have a couple of days to recover."

American Bode Miller is also fighting to be fit for the slalom after twisting his ankle while playing basketball on Tuesday.