Contributed by Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club through Ski Museum of Maine
Description
Team U.S. downhill skier number 21 is shown at the finish line in the 1971 World Cup races at Sugarloaf in Carabassett.
Downhill skiers wore tight-fitting suits so they would not have any extra wind resistance. Races were often won by 100ths of seconds and every little bit helped. The skier in this photograph cut up his race bib and sewed the numbers onto his downhill suit. The bibs were loose fitting and flapped around causing drag on the racer.
The following year the governing body of the World Cup, FIS, banned the practice of altering the bibs. The sponsors that had paid money to have their names or logos on the bibs and did not like losing the exposure. Later, tighter fitting stretch bibs were designed to solve the wind resistance problem.
Bob Beattie, ABC commentator, is seen to the right behind racer number 21.
About This Item
- Title: U.S. racer at finish, Sugarloaf, 1971
- Creation Date: 1971
- Subject Date: 1971
- Location: Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley, Franklin County, ME
- Media: Photographic print
- Dimensions: 23 cm x 20 cm
- Local Code: 2012.001.0004
- Collection: Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Winter sports--Maine--Carrabassett Valley
- Contests--Maine--Carrabassett Valley
- Athletes--American--Maine--Carrabassett Valley
- Skiers--American--Maine
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Ski Museum of Maine256 Main Street, PO Box 359, Kingfield, ME 04947
(207) 265-2023
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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