News

Here is the September newsletter from SwissAm! Hans talks about SwissAm and the plans for the coming year.

It was a long and testing winter for me. Worldcup racing began in September in Chile. My Dad was diagnosed with cancer in October and my wife became pregnant in November! As a Frontier Captain flying a normal schedule, this was starting out to be a real challenge. On top of all this I had to travel, train on snow and in the gym to make a run at my goals. Last year my goal was Rocky Mountain Overall and Elite champ and to be a three-peat national overall champion. Having achieved both, this left me with one stone unturned - The Masters Worldcup!

To do so, means racing in South America, Europe and Canada. I also planned to add both U.S. Regional and National Championships as well. A true test and balancing act followed with adventures of their own. I had hoped to race at least 5 or 6 times in Europe, but I was needed at home to a greater extent than planned. Competing in Europe for me means leaving from work on Thursdays, flying that night (9-11 hours) arrive Friday, drive some long distances, prepare, sleep then race (with jet-lag) on Saturday & Sunday. I would then pack, drive, fly and work when I got back to Denver. To top that off, in the Masters Worldcup they race slalom on Saturdays, then only a ONE run giant slalom on Sunday! This is because many racers have great distances to return to their countries and homes. This was a lot to adjust to with so much going on at home. The competition on the worldcup was tough. In Austria and Switzerland, you are in their backyards (literally) and there are large classes with many good racers.

The first race was the toughest for me. The race was moved from Italy to Austria at the last moment due to snow. I had tickets for Milan. I was then rerouted thru Amsterdam for airport closures and got to Milan 3 hours late. Upon arrival, I learned that my skis were lost! Then I had to drive 11 hours to find a small area called Kernantal. I got there at 1 a.m., slept for a few hours, then borrowed my Norwegian friend’s skis, poles and shin guards to race. I was 5th and 10th in SL/GS. But way out as far as time. My return trip was almost as crazy.

The races that followed were better, mostly firsts, seconds or thirds. If I had it to do over, I would have passed on the first trip and targeted some different races. But that’s ski racing for you. Some of the speed events were later cancelled. So you never know how it will play out. You can only plan and do the best you can with what you are handed.

I feel I did just that. As long as you do all you can you can roll with the punches and give it your best, you gain a positive prospective. I will train with SwissAm again next winter but race little. I have a baby boy (Jake) born in July and a Great wife and a 5 year old daughter to focus on. Plus I will be spending some quality time with my Dad. My time with SwissAm has been great and well spent. 1 look forward to seeing my coaches and teammates. Hans, I hope your health and work will allow you to continue as SwissAm’s leader and a great teammate. You do a great deal behind the scenes that no one is aware of. I want to thank you for that and letting me be a part of it.

Gauction Flier

Silent Auction Cover Letter

Business Auction Donation Form

Family Auction Donation Form

2008 LRC Gauction
Golf Tournament - Auction Event

September 21, 2008

Dear SwissAm/Loveland Masters,

I've attached for you a flier, Gauction Flier, about a really important event. The Loveland Racing Club 2nd Annual Gauction. The Guaction is a golf outing and auction that raises funds to support ski racing at Loveland.

This is an important event for us as masters racers because it helps support many of the luxuries we enjoy racing and training at Loveland. While our fees cover the cost of coaching, hill space and some equipment, there are many things that we enjoy that would significantly raise costs if we didn't fund raise. Two big things are the race room and administrative support Loveland provides. Not to mention the equipment to run the excellent races we put on through the season.

In addition to providing SwissAm/Loveland Masters with an excellent program the Guaction also supports Loveland's junior race programs providing the next generation of ski racers the opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport that is so influential in our lives.

There are 3 ways you can help support the SwissAm and Loveland programs through the Guaction:

You could put together a foursome to participate in the event.
You could approach your company or friend's companies to be hole sponsors.
You could help us sell some of the 2500 golf balls we are selling for $10 each. These balls will be dropped from a hot air balloon over the golf course. Which ever ball lands closest to the pin will receive 10% of the proceeds, about $2500.

I hope you will take seriously this opportunity to support ski racing. Through this event we are able to have the funds needed to continue to improve our programs. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Peace,

C.B. Bechtel
Program Director
Loveland Racing Club
P.O. Box 1032
Georgetown, CO 80444
303 571 5580 x 169
director@lovelandracing.com
www.lovelandracing.com