Hays Claims Silver in Two-man Bobsled

Contact: Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager

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

 For Immediate Release

November 13, 2009

Hays Claims Silver in Two-man Bobsled 

PARK CITY, Utah- Todd Hays (Del Rio, Texas) made a comeback to the sport of bobsled one year ago, and made a statement today after winning the silver medal in the first two-man bobsled World Cup competition of the 2009-2010 season.  Despite being Friday the 13th, the U.S. men had luck on their side at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, Utah, claiming two of the top four results.  

“I couldn’t be happier,” said Hays.  “A medal is a great way to start the season.  We were definitely ready to see some results, and we got that today." 

Hays teamed with Steve Langton (Melrose, Mass.), who won his first World Cup medal today.  Langton sat out last season while recovering from hip surgery, and returned this fall as one of the strongest contenders for the team. 

“I’m really proud of Steve Langton,” said Hays.  “My new sled is running well, we’re pushing well, and this is a great start to the season.”

Hays and Langton combined forces to push start times of 4.89 and 4.91 seconds for runs of 48.53 and 48.66 seconds, respectively.  The U.S. duo claimed the silver medal with a combined time of 1:37.19, just 0.11 seconds from the gold.

The Swiss teams claimed two of the podium positions in tonight’s event.  Reigning two-man bobsled World Cup champion Beat Hefti dominated the competition from start to finish to claim the first gold medal of the season with a two-run total of 1:37.08, while reigning two-man bobsled World Champion Ivo Rueegg finished third with a combined time of 1:37.25.

Hefti teamed with Alex Baumann for the fastest push times of the day, 4.85 and 4.81, and the fastest down times of the event, 48.48 and 48.60.  Rueegg and Cedric Grand crossed the finish line in 48.55 and 48.70 seconds for the bronze. 

Steven Holcomb (Park City, Utah) teamed with Curt Tomasevicz (Shelby, Neb.) for a fourth place result, missing the medal stand by 0.23 seconds. 

“We were testing some equipment today,” said Holcomb.  “The best way to test stuff is in a race when everyone is going hard and everyone is giving their best.  I’m excited that we’re still in the mix.”

Holcomb and Tomasevicz pushed start times of 4.91 and 4.90 seconds, and Holcomb drove his BoDyn sled, the “Night Hawk,” to the finish in 48.73 and 48.75 seconds. 

“I think this is a great start to the season,” said Holcomb.  “The women did well today, and I think we’re on track and where we want to be.”

John Napier (Lake Placid, N.Y.) teamed with Jamie Moriarty (Winnetka, Ill.) for a 12th place finish with a combined time of 1:37.92. 

“I’m very pleased,” said Napier.  “My goal is to qualify for the Olympics, and right now I’m doing my part.  I’m happy and hope to continue to improve this season to secure my spot." 

Napier and Moriarty pushed times of 5.03 and 4.99 for runs of 49.04 and 48.88, respectively.  Napier also took a moment to say thanks to the eight charitable organizations that are being represented on the sleds for their contributions to athletes, coaches and staff members of the U.S. team.

“I think it’s great,” said Napier.  “We are blessed to be in this position, to be training full time as athletes and representing our country.  I feel like it’s our duty and obligation to do that.”

The men will compete in four-man bobsled competition tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 14th at 4 pm MST before traveling to Lake Placid, N.Y. for the second stop on the World Cup tour. 

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. Beat Hefti and Alex Baumann (SUI) 1:37.08 (48.48, 48.60); 2. Todd Hays and Steven Langton (USA) 1:37.19 (48.53, 48.66); 3. Ivo Rueegg and Cedric Grand (SUI) 1:37.25 (48.55, 48.70); 4. Steven Holcomb and Curt Tomasevicz (USA) 1:37.48 (48.73, 48.75);...12. John Napier and Jamie Moriarty (USA) 1:49.04, 48.88);

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, 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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