Perseverance, hard work and dedication has finally paid off for Phil Bellingham who last weekend qualified for the Dresden – West Germany World Cup Sprint after many years of trying. Phil, congratulations, a top effort.
For those members not familiar with XC Sprint Racing the skiers race an interval start time-trial over the course distance of ~1.5km. The top 30 skiers then move onto the heats which there are five of with six skiers in each. Phil achieved a 27th placing in the time trial. His first top 30 placing in a World Cup. The top two place getters in each heat then move onto the semifinals which there are two of. Then the final is conducted with six skiers.
Phil drew a tough heat that included world champion Federico Pellegrino (Italy) and finished sixth.
Phil Bellingham acknowledging the crowd at the start of his heat.
Phil’s qualifying position in the time-trial
