KL at Cervinia 50 years ago

Just half a century ago today, we concluded a short stay in Entrèves, near Cervinia, Italy where the “Kilometro Lanciato” or Speed skiing, took place. In this event, skiers descend a steep, specially designed course aiming to ski as fast as possible. 

Speeds are measured over the last 100 meters of the course. The Cervinia track hosted many early competitions and record attempts. Speed skiing required specialized equipment, including aerodynamic suits and helmets, and specially designed skis. 

This was the tail end of my first year with Look as their head of racing and we had the American Steve McKinney on our bindings; he had won last year’s event, setting a record of 194.384 km/h. 

Joël Gros, who knew Steve and was familiar with the US Pro Tour, asked to come for the occasion accompanied by his wife Jane. Evelyne, my soon to be wife, was there too. 

The weather was beautiful and the Matterhorn, breathtaking, as always, but in the end, it’s Bernard “Pino” Meynet that won the day clocking at 194.384 km/h, beating Steve McKinney who reached 192.719 km/h. If you want to know more about places where Speed Skiing is practiced, read tomorrow’s blog.

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