All systems go for slalom

After a final hit out on the course on Saturday, the slalom athletes had a forced rest from the whitewater today as the course was prepared for the demonstration runs.

The 21 gate course set for the qualification race by Jean Michel Prono (FRA), Eric Giddens (USA) and Jaroslav Pollert (CZE) appears relatively straight forward but there is no doubt the powerful technical conditions of the Beijing Olympic course will be challenging for all competitors.

In a test run the fastest time recorded was by a Chinese C1 forerunner who posted a time of just 88 seconds an indication that this will be the fastest race in Olympic and world championship history.

Tomorrow, the top 12 C1s from 16 starters will progress to the semi finals while in the K1 event the top 15 from 21 starters will make the cut.

With a fast course and no major moves the margins will be tight. Clean runs, dry lines with easy boat run through the downstream sections and precise upstreams will be the target for safe qualification.

Tomorrow, the stands will fill, the water will flow and the athletes will start the show for the 6th Olympic slalom competition.

Robin Bell will be the 14th boat to start at 3:32 and a half with Warwick Draper 9th boat off in the K1 event at 4:10.
The two and a half minute start interval will allow spectators time to enjoy the full run live with replays on the giant screen.

Second runs will be just under two hours after the first runs.

Each time our athletes line up they will see a familiar face at the start in the shape of starter, Max Parsons, who along with gate judge, Sue Natoli, will be officiating at the Games for Australia.

Three, two, one go!