GB Skiers Bronze medal in Euro Cup Slalom!

In cold and clear conditions with temperatures of -16c at the European Cup slalom race yesterday in Kuhtai, Austria, the British pairing of Kelly Gallagher (B3) and her new guide Charlotte Evans had a brilliant start to their professional partnership, claiming the Bronze behind Slovakian Henrieta FARKOSOVA and Russian Alexandra FRANTESEVA.

In a truly world class field, the British duo missed out on the Silver medal by just a third of a second, finishing in a time of 2.29.35 to Franteseva's 2.29.02.

Gallagher after the race said:
"I'm so happy to be back on snow after the Paralympics, Charlotte and I have been working hard together since November and so its great to start the season off like this, the support and set up in BDST and at home in Northern Ireland in the Sports Institute have helped us progress since March. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's Giant Slalom and skiing with Charlotte at World Championships in January. Hopefully we'll have even better news form us and our teammates tomorrow!"

"Gallagher and Evans have only skied together a few weeks and so these early results prove there is much more to come" said Coach Jane Stevens.

Also in the race was Sean Rose  - missing out on a Bronze by 0.4 seconds. Sean has had two narrow medal misses in his first two races now and is determined to get back on the podium in the races that remain.

Other Brits Talan Skeels Piggins (winner of the SuperG in Pitztal), Mick Brennan and Anna Turney had good first runs but unfortunately did not complete the second run.

Hopes are high too for the GS tomorrow where GB want to continue their medal winning run and add to the 6 medals earned already this season.

PHOTOS: PODIUM PLACED SKIERS AND GUIDES - GB PHOTO: Coach Jane Stevens, Kelly Gallagher and Charlotte Evans (Guide).

Youtube link first run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcadzsiD9kg