Thorburn makes winning start to Olympic season

BRITISH Winter Olympic hopeful Pam Thorburn has started her season with a win.

STRONG START: Pam Thorburn warmed up for the Europa Cup in Kvitfell with a Super G victory in Hemsedel

The 23-year old from Strathaven used an early start number to her advantage, claiming a super giant slalom race in Hemsedel, Norway.

"It's a great start," said Thorburn.

"I am happy because there was a really good level of international racers here and the result significantly lowers my FIS points and therefore my world ranking.
 
"I was really excited to get the races started after an extremely good summer of training and I am now looking forward to my first Europa Cup super G and super combined in Kvitfjell."

British Alpine women's coach, Gunter Puehringer, added: "There were about six really good competitors at the start, who are scoring regularly on the Europa Cup circuit, which shows how well Pam skied.  

"It just shows what the girls are capable of when they get it right.  She did a very good job".

Meanwhile, British team-mates Dougie Crawford and Chemmy Alcott will both return to World Cup action this weekend.

Crawford, in only his fifth appearance on the World Cup circuit, will make his debut on the notorious ‘Birds of Prey' course at Beaver Creek, when he competes in the downhill and super combined races.  
 
Alcott is competing in the opening speed events of the women's World Cup tour in Lake Louise, Canada.