Goodwill Games

Events/Disciplines: 2-man bobsled

Venue: Bobsled/Luge track at Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Competition Schedule: Saturday, February 19
   Run 1: 11:00 am
   Run 2: 2:00 pm

Sunday, February 20
   Run 3: 11:00 am
   Run 4: 2:00 pm

Number of Athletes: 12 two-man sleds (24 athletes)

Competition Format: 4 runs per entry, winner is determined by fastest cumulative score

Brief Description: Bobsled took place at the brand new state-of-the-art bobsled, luge and skeleton facility. A bobsled race consists of a two-man sled with the riders wedged inside as they navigate the race course to achieve the fastest time. Each sled has a driver in front and a brakeman in back. At the start, the bobsledders, who wear cleated shoes to grip the ice, run and push the sled off in a quick explosive motion, and leap in as it gains momentum. A well-pushed sled can be running at 20 miles per hour when it hits the starting line. The official timing begins once the sled and its pushers have crossed the line. The driver guides the sled on the quickest path through the twisting turns. All factors being equal, a heavier sled will win the race, so the categories are given weights. A two-man sled cannot exceed 858 pounds, including athletes.

Bobsled is like no other Olympic sport in that an athlete who possesses exceptional strength and speed can, in the first or second year, make the US Team as a push athlete. The Mt. Van Hoevenberg bobsled run was the first original run in the U.S., and for many years it was the only one available. Last year, during the '98-'99 season, the Park City track in Salt Lake City, Utah was used for World Cup competition. Rides can be taken in the summer or winter for a fee, though only the winter rides are done on a real sled on ice. Lake Placid also has a Junior Bobsledding program that allows children 8 to 18 a chance to participate and compete in the sport of bobsledding.