New Performance Director for British Snowsports

Snowsport GB is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Tilston (30, Perth), as its new Performance Director.  

Mark is an existing member of Snowsport GB staff, having coordinated the fitness programmes of all World Class athletes over the past four seasons, as well as coaching the Men's Downhill programme throughout the winter months.

Tilston is excited at the challenge of continuing to work with top 30 World Cup athletes such as Lesley McKenna, Finlay Mickel, Chemmy Alcott and Alain Baxter in his new managerial post, on a contract which will run until the Winter Olympic Games in Turin 2006 in the first instance.

Tilston said, "I have experience, gathered over 18 years in snowsports, of each level of the system and I have formed a clear vision of how to improve the performance pathways for our leading athletes and increase general participation levels.  With effective planning and investment the goal of two podium results in Turin 2006 is realistic."

Tilston takes over the role from Graham Bell, who has a number of projects planned for the summer, among them an appearance in Superstars, which may ultimately see him pitched against current British number 1 Alain Baxter.  Bell will retain an interest within Snowsport GB, taking on the vacant position of Disciplines Director on the Snowsport GB Board.

Chairman of Snowsport GB, Ronald Duncan said of Tilston's appointment, "Mark is building on the strong base that Graham has created and we are delighted to have such and internationally respected coach as Performance Director"

Tilston's first job was to assist in the selection of the 2004 British Land Alpine Ski Team.  The Selection Panel, chaired by Konrad Bartelski, met on Tuesday 29th April.  The following athletes were selected:-

Snowsport GB ­ 2004 British Land Alpine Ski Team

Men
Alain Baxter                      Aviemore           29
Noel Baxter                       Aviemore          21
Roger Cruickshank            Banchory          20
Ross Green                        Falkirk             25
James Leuzinger                 Häetzingen       21
Finlay Mickel                     Edinburgh         25
John Moulder-Brown         Chelsea            24

Women
Chemmy Alcott                 Twickenham      21
Emma Carrick-Anderson   Edinburgh         27
Jo Greig                            Weybridge        21

Snowsport GB ­ 2004 British Land Junior Alpine Ski Team

Men
James Barcock                  Bath                 19
Andrew Noble                   Edinburgh        19

Women
Katrina Head                    Oxford              18
Lynn Sharp                       Glasgow           17

The following athletes have been offered a British Team trial.

Jamie Miles                       Chingford         20
Pamela Thorburn               Strathaven       17