Pac Wins Bronze in Park City World Cup

Contact: Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager

(518) 523-1842, ext 106, abird@usbsf.com

For Immediate Release

November 13, 2009

Pac Wins Bronze in Park City World Cup 

PARK CITY, Utah- All three U.S. sleds entered into the first women’s bobsled competition of the 2009-2010 season finished in the top ten standings today. Erin Pac (Farmington, Conn.) claimed her second ever World Cup medal, a bronze, with Michelle Rzepka (Novi, Mich.) on the 2002 Olympic course in Park City, Utah. 

“This definitely gives me confidence going into the season,” said Pac.  “Our pushes felt great, my runs felt good, and I’m really happy about the result.  It’s always a great day when you walk away with a medal." 

Pac and Rzpeka were forces to be reckoned with from start to finish, pushing identical start times of 5.25 seconds in the two-heat race, second fastest of the competition.  Pac drove her Bodyn sled with pink flames to the finish in 50.13 and 50.19 seconds for a combined time of 1:40.32 to claim bronze. 

The Germans claimed the top two podium positions in today’s race.  Cathleen Martini stopped the clock in 1:39.92 to claim the gold by two-tenths of a second after sliding runs of 50.01 and 49.91, the only women’s sled to finish under 50 seconds today.  Reigning Olympic champion Sandra Kiriasis claimed the silver medal with a total time of 1:40.12 after sliding runs of 50.05 and 50.07 seconds. 

Bree Schaaf (Bremerton, Wash.) had her best ever World Cup result today, finishing just 0.11 seconds from the medals in fourth place.  Schaaf teamed with Ingrid Marcum (Elmhurst, Ill.) for a combined time of 1:40.43.

“As much as you plan, plan, plan, when it follows through and comes together it feels good,” said Schaaf, who could barely stand still at the finish as she leapt around in excitement.  “I worked really hard to get here this year.  Team trials were really tight, and I definitely had to earn this spot.  This is great, but I’m still kind of disappointed because I wanted to win.  Everyone shows up wanting to win the race.”

Schaaf and Marcum pushed identical start times of 5.33 for runs of 50.23 and 50.20 seconds.  Marcum slid with added motivation today.  While sanding runners last night in preparation for the competition, Marcum learned that a close friend had committed suicide.  Rather than sit out, Marcum decided to race in her friend’s memory.

“I wish I could be there for her family right now,” said Marcum.  “It definitely hit me hard, but I knew I could race in her honor.  I have her name written on my wrist, so I was able to take her with me on the ride.  I did what I had to do today, and I’m glad I was able to honor her memory.”

Shauna Rohbock (Park City, Utah) teamed with her 2006 Olympic silver medalist partner Valerie Fleming (Park City, Utah) this evening, and the duo pushed an impressive start time of 5.29 seconds.  Rohbock had some difficulty out of the blocks at the exit of one, and the team crossed the finish line in 50.29 seconds. 

“I didn’t have a great line out of one,” said Rohbock.  “I was not gaining any speed on the way down.”

While warming up for the second heat, eager to move up in standings, Fleming strained her hamstring and made the difficult decision to pull out of the race. 

“During my warm-up I felt my hamstring cramp,” said Fleming.  “The trainers didn’t feel any damage, but I didn’t want to take a chance this early in the season.  I knew I had to take it easy, and I also didn’t want to hurt Shauna’s chances.”

Emily Azevedo (Chico, Calif.) was called up just eight sleds before Rohbock’s sled was placed on the starting line, and helped Rohbock push a 5.32 start time.  The duo crossed the finish line in 50.33 seconds for a combined time of 1:40.62, placing the team in ninth position. 

“I didn’t have a great second run either,” said Rohbock.  “This definitely isn’t the way you want to start a season, but my motto is that it’s not how you start but it’s how you finish.”

The team will continue its journey to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver by traveling to Lake Placid, N.Y. next week for the second World Cup competition of the 2009-2010 season. 

Please contact Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager, at (518) 523-1842, ext. 106, or at abird@usbsf.com for any questions regarding the U.S. team.

Results:

1. Cathleen Martini and Romy Logsch (GER) 1:39.92 (50.01, 49.91); 2. Sandra Kiriasis and Berit Wiacker (GER) 1:40.12 (50.05, 50.07); 3. Erin Pac and Michelle Rzepka (USA) 1:40.32 (50.13, 50.19); 4.  Bree Schaaf and Ingrid Marcum (USA) 1:40.43 (50.23, 50.20);...9. Shauna Rohbock and Valerie Fleming/Emily Azevedo (USA) 1:40.62 (50.29, 50.33);

About the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation

The United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, based in Lake Placid, N.Y., is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton in the United States. The USBSF would like to thank its sponsors, suppliers and contributors for their support: Allianz Life, Under Armour, Vilter Manufacturing, 776 Original Marketing, KBC Helmets, Luminox Watch Company, BNRG, EDAS/Ripxx and Ferris Mfg. Corp. The USBSF would also like to thank the following sponsors and suppliers for their partner, the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project:  Whelen Engineering, PPG, Columbia Sportswear, JEGS Automotive, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools, EXA, Lumber Liquidators, Lincoln Electronics and Racing Electronics.  For more information, please visit the USBSF website at http://bobsled.teamusa.org.

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