13 - Wednesday, March 2, 1988 Coping with computers PAGE 17 h Shore News WORLD CUP DOWNHILL THIS SATURDAY Top skiers converge at TRAINING RUNS began at ‘Whistler this morning for the World Cup downhill ski race there Saturday, March 5, featuring some of the top skiers in the world. Following Grouse Mountain’s weather-hampered World Cup Giant Slalom, skiers are off to Whistler for pre-race training leading up to the downhill. The Canadian ski squad — in- cluding Whistler native Rob Boyd and Squamish’s Mike Carney — is expected to attend, joining the ranks of top. skiers Pirmin Zurgriggen, Peter Muller and Italian Alberto ‘‘La Bomba” Tomba. “‘This course is rated by the racers as among the top three in the world,’ said race chairman and Whistler director of skiing Dave Murray. ‘(And for spec- tators) there’s plenty of room to get out on the hill and see skiers going past.”” For the Jast three weeks, crews have been preparing the 3%- kilometre course using snow cats and other equipment to build up the terrain. When skiers leave th: starting gate, they will complete he course — featuring a 1,000-met ‘e vertical drop — in about two minutes, clocking an average speed of 105 kph. Murray suggests that one of the best spots to watch the action is at the run Double Trouble, which is approximately five seconds or so out of the starting gate. Farther down the course, Fallaway Corner and Coaches Corner — where skiers will get up to speeds anywhere from. 125 to 140 kph depending on conditions ~ also afford good views of the action. _Near the end of the course, the area known as Franz’s Hopp — which has given past World Cup racers trouble — will . challenge photo Mike Wakefield TOP SKIERS from all over the world will converge at Whistler March 5 for the World Cup downhill. Here, a skier in last year’s World Cup race at Whistler keeps his tuck tight going over the final hill as he nears the finish line. skiers and give spectators an ex- cellent chance to see their heroes in action. ‘ Training runs continue Thursday and Friday, starting both days at 10 a.m., and offer perfect oppor- tunities to watch World Cup action . eCar care tips 9 Financial advice eDr. Ruth without big crowds. _ OF the race’s possible outcome, ‘Murray said: ‘Personally, I feel the Canadians have a super chance to do well here. Boyd and Carney are skiing very well. “Although this race is at home with the pressure (of a home crowd), it’s nothing compared to what they put up with last week (at the Olympics).”” But despite optimism ‘for the Canadian skiers, Murray did not discount the skills. of Swiss skiing aces Zurbriggen and Muller. “Muller was extremely fast here in 1986 on this particular course, but he fell five seconds from the end with a great intermediate time,”’ noted Murray. ‘‘He’ll be hungry after missing that."’ Runners ready for 10K race ABOUT 300 runners will be participating in the North -Shore’s oldest road race as they run through West Vancouver in the Ambleside 10 K race on March 6. The race, which is hosted by the Nor’ Westers Track and Field Club, is the fifth in the Lower Mainland Grand Prix series, and organizers expect many top class runners to compete alongside some of the North Shore's best. But everyone, regardless of experience, is invited to join in. The course begins at Ambleside Park, heads west along Upper Bellevue to Travers, just past 31st. There it turns back along Travers, Park Lane and Lower Bellevue to the West Vancouver seawall and back to Ambleside Park. A five-kilometre route for junior runners extends to 24th before returning along the seawall to the park. Gourmet meal vouchers from some of the North Shore restaurants will be handed out along the route as spot prizes. First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in each age category following the Tace, Pre-race registration begins at 8 a.m. at Ambleside. The race begins at 9 a.m. Fees are $5 for members of the B.C. Amateur Athletics Association, which sanctioned the race, and $7 for non-members. YMCA softball teams form THE NORTH Shore Family YM- CA is presently taking registrations for its T-ball, three-pitch and soft- ball leagues. Children from kindergarten to Grade 6 can join a team and play with their school chums on one of about 60 teams. The T-b:iit league is for children in kindergarten and Grade 1, three-pitch players will be from Grades 2 through 4, and children in Grades 5 and 6 can play in the softball league. Kevin Huskisson, a program director for the Y, said the leagues are ‘‘a good time’’ and help the players learn the games. “We don’t try to promote the competitive side of it much,’’ he said, adding each team will play every Wednesday throughout the summer. Registration — at the North and West Vancouver YMCAs and local schools — ends March 31. The Y is also seeking coaches for the teams. Candidates should en- joy children and have enthusiasm, a knowledge of softball and time to spare. The Y will train volun- teers. For more information contact Joanie O'Brien or Huskisson at 986-0388.