Contact: Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager

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

For Immediate Release

January 17, 2009

Bernotas Fifth in Men’s Skeleton World Cup

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland–The men’s skeleton World Cup tour made its final stop in Europe today on the Olympia Bobrun in St. Moritz, Switzerland.  Eric Bernotas (Avondale, Pa.) led the U.S. team with his best result this season, fifth, on the natural made course. 

“We’re working really well together as a team,” said Bernotas.  “The results are coming back, and we want it to come, but we need to learn to relax again.  The more we want it, the more it seems to slip away.”

Bernotas slid a two-run total of two minutes, 17.04 seconds to finish fifth after sliding to the finish in 1:08.76 and 1:08.28.  Bernotas has finished in the top four overall World Cup rankings over the last two seasons, but feels like he’s struggled this year. 

“I’ve been fast here before and it’s because I’ve been able to turn off my brain and just feel the track,” said Bernotas.  “For some reason my brain was tight today and I’ve been over thinking everything.  As a team we’ve regrouped, and we’re learning how to take the ups with the downs.  We need to patch our foundation and fix one small thing at a time.”

Zach Lund (Salt Lake City, Utah), the 2007 World Cup champion, finished seventh with a combined time of 2:17.37 after clocking runs of 1:08.80 and 1:08.57.

“Today was a step in the right direction, but I know there’s still a long way to go before I’m where I need or want to be,” said Lund.  “I’ll get there.  I’m trying not to let it get me down much, and to enjoy myself while sliding again, but I’ve been pushing myself too hard.  I need to relax, and get back to the basics.  This isn’t like me, and I’m surprised by this mental lapse, but I also think it’s good to learn from this and to grow as a slider.”

Germany’s Frank Rommel claimed his fourth consecutive gold medal today with a convincing lead of 0.97 seconds.  Rommel was the only athlete to slide under 68 seconds, and crossed the finish line with a two-run total of 2:15.77 after sliding runs of 1:08.08 and 1:07.69.

Defending World Cup champion Kristan Bromley from Great Britain finished second with a total time of 2:16.74 after sliding to the finish in 1:08.37 and 1:08.37.  Bromley’s partner, Shelley Rudman, was victorious in the women’s skeleton competition yesterday. 

Gregor Staehli claimed his first medal of the season, claiming bronze with a combined time of 2:16.9 after sliding runs of 1:08.36 and 1:08.43. 

U.S. athlete Matt Antoine (Prairie du Chien, Wisc.) slid the natural course for the first time in his career in only his second-ever World Cup competition, finishing 14th with a combined time of 2:18.09.  Antoine pushed start times of 5.38 and 5.39 seconds, sliding to the finish in 1:08.89 and 1:09.20, respectively. 

“It’s a different experience sliding on this track, and it has a cool feel to it,” said Antoine.  “I had some trouble out of the corner Horseshoe in my second run, and dropped back a few spots because there was no way to make up the time.  It’s been great sliding with these guys at this level, and I’m looking forward to sliding on the 2010 Olympic track in Vancouver.”

The teams will meet again for an international training week in Vancouver, Canada before competing on the 2010 Olympic track for the first time on Feb. 5. 

Complete results can be found by visiting the web site for the Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing at www.fibt.com. Watch today’s results on-demand by visiting www.UniversalSports.com. 

For additional information, please contact Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager, at (518) 523-1842, ext. 106, orabird@usbsf.com. 

Results:

1. Frank Rommel (GER) 2:15.77 (1:08.08, 1:07.69); 2. Kristan Bromley (GBR) 2:16.74 (1:08.37, 1:08.37); 3. Gregor Staehli (SUI) 2:16.79 (1:08.36, 1:08.43);…5. Eric Bernotas (USA) 2:17.04 (1:08.76, 1:08.28);…7. Zach Lund (USA) 2:17.37 (1:08.80, 1:08.57);… 14. Matt Antoine (USA) 2:18.09 (1:08.89, 1:09.20); 

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, Vilter Manufacturing, KBC Helmets, Luminox Watch Company, ULU Boots 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 athttp://bobsled.teamusa.org.

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