Ex SKI RLC 2017 - The Royal Logistic Corps

More than 400 Regular and Reserve Royal Logistic Corps officers and soldiers travelled to the Bavarian Alps to compete at Exercise SKI RLC 2017 in Rupholding.

Competitors in both the Nordic and Alpine disciplines raced in multiple events over the two week exercise supported by admin and race staff from 1 Regiment RLC, the core of which came from the 1 Regiment RLC (Corps) Alpine and Nordic male team.

The 22nd RLC Championships had the biggest turnout across the Corps than any previous year, involving 13 Regular, 11 Reserve Regiments and nine Minor Units. No other Regular Army event can compare to this outstanding example of Regular-Reserve integration.

The Nordic skiers competed in five Team and Individual Events cumulating in the 15km Patrol Race, an event that put all skiers through their paces carrying 40kg (across the team).

This year’s race saw fierce competition between 17 Port & Maritime Regiment and 6 Regiment, so much so that after a gruelling two hours they finished with less than two minutes separating their times, 17 Port & Maritime Regiment being the victors.

In the ladies competition, there were teams from six units with 6 Regiment, 4 Regiment and 9 Regiment finishing first, second and third respectively.

The Alpine skiers were thrilled at the opportunity to try Nordic by completing the 5km Presidents Race, some in full fancy dress regalia, to the enjoyment of their more experienced Nordic counterparts.

Lt Col Rhodes of 29 Regiment finished in ninth as the first Commanding Officer, with WO1 RSM Clarke of 159 Regiment winning both first RSM and first overall.

Competing in Slalom, Grand Slalom (GS) and Super G, Alpine racers of all abilities were able to showcase their talents at nearby slopes. In the Individual Slalom, Capt J Russell from HQ ARRC completed the 26 gate course in 32.88 seconds, the fastest time of the day.

In the Team GS, 6 Regiment were the runaway winners with Sgt S Jackson, 6 Regiment, achieving the quickest run.

Exercise SKI RLC is not only for the well-seasoned athletes but also actively encourages Regiments to field novices and nurture talent to safeguard the future of RLC SKIING. An excellent example of this is DST Leconfield, who performed outstandingly finishing third in the Nordic Combination.

Congratulations go to Pte M Cawood who has been selected for the National Development Squad.

A highly successful event, which saw 6 Regiment crowned as the Overall Champions.

For race results go to www.awsa.org.uk or www.dbmax.co.uk