Changes on Bob track
Officials have decided to make changes to the bobsleigh track at the Whistler Sliding Center after a number of crashes during the Olympics.
Last Updated: 23/02/10 9:21am
Officials have decided to make changes to the bobsleigh track at the Whistler Sliding Center after a number of crashes during the Olympics.
After the tragic events of the luge, there have also been a number of crashes in the bobsleigh event, with a series of spills in the two-man bob on Saturday.
More incidents have happened in training for the four-man event, with Croatia and Latvia crashing on Monday, and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (FIBT) has finally opted to change the track.
Officials postponed the remainder of the practice session and concern focused on a section of track near the 13th turn.
After a meeting with representatives from 11 sliding nations, officials opted to shave a small amount of ice from that curve and from several other areas, with the hope that the minor changes will help to make the track safer and easier to navigate.
US coach Brian Shimer said that the changes are only minor, but will mean for a better competition and a higher completion rate for the four-man teams.
"This is all about racing, and getting through the race," Shimer said. "It's still going to be the toughest track in the world. No doubt.
"Everybody was kind of waiting to see when the four-mans got on the track. And not even up to speed, the curve was true to its name today. It was 50-50.
"Four-man's our bread-and-butter. We don't want to just roll the dice and make a small, small mistake and not even finish a race."
