SPORTS MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2014 Surtees anniversary draws hope from F1 loss

BIRMINGHAM: John Surtees has an infectious laugh but he has no need to shout about his achievements: ered immediate and eye-opening results. If motorcy- “Some of the press got very much in mind that I was and the broadest of grins but there is also sadness in They speak for themselves. cling was his first love, part of him will always belong stealing Innes’s drive,” he recalled. “I was perhaps a lit- his eyes as he prepares for a year of events marking Between 1956 and 1960, he won seven motorcycling to Maranello and Ferrari - then as now the most glam- tle too sensitive and walked away. I should perhaps the 50th anniversary of his Formula One champi- championships (three in 350cc and the others in the orous team on the grid. have had a more focused attitude and thought... onship win. top 500cc category). In the 1960 season, he raced in “We had a variety of life which the present Formula ‘frankly, let them get lost. I’ll just look after number The former Ferrari driver’s past triumphs are grands prix on both two wheels and four and was also One driver doesn’t have, but we didn’t have the num- one’.” entwined with personal tragedy as motorsport fetes Isle of Man TT winner. ber of races they have,” he said, comparing the eras. “It Clark would go on to win the championship in 1963 Britain’s oldest surviving F1 champion and the only In recent years, Italian MotoGP great Valentino Rossi has been turned into a major commercial operation. and 1965 while Surtees beat Graham Hill by a single man to have won world titles on two wheels and four. tested a Ferrari F1 car but never made the switch and “I still would enjoy the challenge of sitting in a mod- point in 1964 thanks to a scoring system that counted Surtees, who turns 80 next month after competing the chances of anyone ever again emulating Surtees ern day car, but I’d obviously need to knock a few only the best six results. through some of the most dangerous years of grand would appear remote. He disagrees, however. “I don’t years off. Take about 50 years away again,” laughed Of his six career Formula One wins, four were with prix racing, is using the attention to help promote a think it’s impossible by any means,” he said. “I still look the man who went on to design, build and race his Ferrari and the others for Cooper and Honda. In all, foundation set up after the death of his 18-year-old upon it as quite a natural thing because certainly own cars as a constructor. Surtees won 290 of the 621 races he entered on bikes son Henry in a freak racing accident at Brands Hatch when I sat in the car for the first time I was immediate- The biggest problem Surtees had in Formula One, and in cars with another 103 podium finishes. In 1966, in 2009. ly able to go quick. As quick as anyone else had driven having grown up in the world of motorcycles with he came back from a big sportscar accident in Canada The foundation, whose motto is ‘finding hope in loss’, those cars. father Jack, who was a national champion, was deal- the previous year to lead the championship only to raises funds for accident care and community support “Today the way one can ride a modern bike, with the ing with paddock politics and rivals who resented his then walk away from Ferrari mid-season after a falling and to help youngsters develop life skills through tyres and some of the controls which are available, the sudden arrival in car racing. out. motorsport-related programmes. aids you have got... probably bike and car have come If he has any regrets looking back, it is that he was “Mr Ferrari agreed with me at the end, just before he “In a way I suppose I’m only involved in celebrating even closer in the relationship. perhaps too sensitive and too impetuous. Had he died actually, that we’d both made a bit of a mistake 50 years because of the fact that I’m using it also as a “So if someone achieves their goals in motorcycling been more ruthless or more patient, he might have in that we’d lost probably championships together vehicle to assist in developing the foundation,” at a certain time and says ‘Hmm, perhaps I will try new won more titles. with the parting that we did in 1966. That again was a Surtees told Reuters in an interview at the Autosport challenges’ it may happen. But obviously not if they “Perhaps on two occasions,” he mused. “There was bit impetuous,” he smiled. International show, where several of the cars and are over the hill. When I changed I probably still had the Lotus situation where Colin Chapman at the end “I was so frustrated at not doing things that we could bikes he raced with are displayed. 10 years left in me which could have been at the top of 1960 placed all his faith in me and said ‘John, I want achieve at Ferrari because of political reasons and “Normally, I think I’d rather just drift around in the of motorcycling.” you to be number one. Choose your team mate.’.” people pulling in a different direction. background.” The Briton, always known for forthright In Surtees’ day, what mattered was what was shown Surtees indicated compatriot Jim Clark, for some the “But I suppose it was all put right when Enzo said to opinions on motorsport and an equally direct glare, is on the stopwatch. He was given the opportunity to greatest driver of all time, but that meant Innes me ‘John, we must remember the good times and not hardly the shrinking violet or one to put his feet up drive cars because of his speed on bikes and he deliv- Ireland would be dropped. the mistakes’.” — Reuters Gagnon wins World Cup super-combined event

AUSTRIA: Marie-Michele Gagnon ended a 30-year drought for Canadian women in World Cup combined events by earning her maiden victory yesterday. Gagnon was 1.37 seconds off the lead in 16th after the super-G portion but went ahead of the field after posting the second fastest time in the slalom run. “It’s really exciting, a magical moment,” said Gagnon, who wasn’t even born when Gerry Sorensen won a combined event in Puy St. Vincent, France, on Jan. 8, 1984 for the last triumph by a Canadian woman. “My teammate Erin Mielzynski won two years ago in Ofterschwang. She was the first Canadian woman to win in slalom in like 40 ADELBODEN: Austria’s Marcel Hirscher speeds down the course to clock the third fastest time dur- years,” Gagnon said. “That was unbelievable ing the first run of an alpine ski men’s World Cup slalom. — AP and I didn’t expect our team to make history again.” Gagnon finished in an overall 2 minutes, Hirscher wins slalom 5.55 seconds to beat second-place Michaela Kirchgasser of Austria by 0.32. Maria Hoefl- Riesch of Germany trailed Gagnon by 0.39 in AUSTRIA: Canada’s Marie-Michele Gagnon speeds down the course on her way to to take overall lead third. win a women’s alpine ski World Cup super-combined event. — AP Nicole Hosp of Austria, who led the com- petition after the super-G, finished fourth. ADELBODEN: Marcel Hirscher mastered a classic of Sweden, who placed fourth Sunday after being “It’s amazing. I was quite surprised,” said Swiss slope yet again yesterday, winning a World Cup fastest in the morning. Gagnon, whose only previous podium came slalom to seize the lead in the overall and discipline With his fourth win this season, the 24-year-old in a slalom in Are, Sweden, in 2012. “I didn’t standings. Hirscher, the Austrian two-time defending Hirscher has 22 career World Cup victories including expect that after the first run. I knew I had to Davis, White grab overall champion, sliced through the gates on a 12 in slalom. Kristoffersen, a 19-year-old junior world do a really good slalom run to be on the thrilling run down the steep final slope to beat Andre champion in two events, got his second career podi- podium. I just tried to do my best and it Myhrer of Sweden by 0.29 seconds. “It’s maybe a stu- um finish one day after almost colliding with a televi- looks like the pieces of the puzzle have US ice dance title pid decision,” Hirscher said about his risk-taking. “If you sion production worker who strayed on the course come together.” The super-combined format give a lot, you can win a lot.” Teenager Henrik during Saturday’s giant slalom won by Neureuther. “I Kristoffersen of Norway was third, trailing 0.66 behind skied over the back of his skis. I was definitely touch- was introduced at the start of the 2005-06 BOSTON: A record sixth straight US ice dance announced Sunday, with the top three in Hirscher’s combined two-run time of 1 minute, 49.75 ing him a little bit there. (It) happens. We’re only season to replace the classic combined title. A personal best at the national champi- dance and top two in pairs expected - but seconds. Hirscher won this race for the past two years humans,” Kristoffersen said. Bode Miller placed outside races, which consisted of one speed run fol- onships, with the highest score possible for not guaranteed - to get spots. After showing en route to taking the giant crystal globe as the the top-30 yesterday morning so did not qualify for a lowed by two slalom legs. their free skate routine. And, most important- up to a mid-week news conference in a world’s best Alpine skier. second run. No Canadian skier - male or female - had ly, an all-but certain second consecutive trip Boston Bruins T-shirt and ski cap, Shnapir “It’s very wonderful here,” Hirscher said of the his- The American veteran, who won this race in 2002, ever made the podium in a super-combined to the Olympics for Charlie White and Meryl turned to a Saville Row-style shirt and tie - toric venue which has featured since the World Cup lost his race line and speed at the top of the final pitch. before. The last Canadian to get in the top Davis. The reigning Winter Games silver accessorized by a gun holster - for a James started in 1967. “It’s kind of a special race and it’s work- David Chodounsky of the US was eighth, 1.70 behind three of any combined event was Emily medalists danced their way to victory at the Bond-themed routine with Castelli that ing pretty well for me.” Felix Neureuther of Germany Hirscher, to follow his 10th place here one year ago. Broydon, who came third in San Sicaro, Italy, US Figure Skating Championships on earned them the pairs title. lost his unbeaten record in 2014 by straddling a gate The host Switzerland team offered little for an enthusi- in 2005. Saturday to win their sixth national title - one “I grabbed her hand and I said, ‘Let’s just when poised to challenge Hirscher’s time. With 100 astic crowd of 12,000 spectators on a sunny day with The combination of super-G and slalom more than the record five they had shared stay out here for a second and enjoy this race points for victory, Hirscher now leads Aksel Lund temperatures rising above 43 F (6 C). Only Markus at Sunday’s event suited Gagnon, who was with American ice dance pioneers Tanith moment,’” Shnapir, of nearby Sudbury, said Svindal of Norway by 23 points in the overall standings. Vogel advanced to the second run and placed 17th. in the top 10 of two super-G races this sea- Belbin and Ben Agosto. “Coming into this after the victory put them in position for a Svindal is a speed specialist who skips slalom races. “The crowd is one of the most fair on the World son and in the top six of all four slaloms. competition, there was so secret we were spot on the U.S. Olympic team. “Who knows if Ted Ligety of the United States retained a distant Cup tour,” said Hirscher, whose next race is next “I am happy with my season so far and going after that sixth title, the sixth record- we’ll ever have an opportunity like this third place overall despite skiing out in the second Sunday in slalom at nearby Wengen. The three-race this tops it off for sure,” said Gagnon, coming breaking title,” Davis said. “It’s such an honor again?” Skating to the music from “Skyfall,” run. Hirscher also took the discipline standings lead Wengen meeting includes the Lauberhorn downhill off a disappointing season following her first for us.” With Davis’ shaggy, blonde mop of hair Castelli and Shnapir totaled 205.71 points to from teammate Mario Matt who failed to finish the Saturday that is the traditional highlight of the Swiss top-three finish at the end of the 2011-12 whirling around the ice and White’s tied back protect the lead they built with the top per- second run. He leads by 60 points from Mattias Hargin sporting year. — AP campaign. by a tiara, the world champions gave an ener- formance Thursday in the short program. “I ended that season really strongly and I getic and emotional routine to “Sheherazade” “Right now we’re just still in shock our- came in the season after and I was expect- by the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky- selves,” said Castelli, of Cranston, R.I. “We’re ing a lot,” Gagnon said. “But I was trying too Korsakov. They finished with 200.19 points - just trying to process everything.” Felicia Leinster edge closer to hard. This year, I just try my best. I know I their most ever at nationals - thanks to a Zhang and Nathan Bartholomay finished sec- have done all the work in training.” Second- 119.50 that was a perfect score for the ele- ond with 201.72 points. Caydee Denney and place Kirchgasser made an even bigger ments in their free skate. John Coughlin moved up to third, with European Cup quarters jump as she climbed from 20th after the “With the Olympics in the season, it really 201.43, after receiving the highest score in super-G. “I knew something would still be ups the ante,” White said. “What a great time Saturday’s free skate. possible (after the first run),” said the to be an American ice dancer.” Evan Bates and “We didn’t leave anything on the table. PARIS: Three-time former champions Leinster need then threw Castres a curveball when he nailed a Austrian. “But after my slalom run, I first Madison Chock were second with 181.44 We skated just as hard and as passionate as just one point from their final Pool 1 game at home long-range drop-goal to take the Irish province into thought it wasn’t enough.” points and siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani, we could,” Bartholomay said. “We’re both just to Ospreys to ensure themselves a place in the the lead. Momentum had truly swung Leinster’s Kirchgasser failed to finish five races this with 170.44 points, were third. “I feel like rock completely on Cloud 9 right now. We are stars,” Alex Shibutani said. Earlier, hometown aware that second place is not locked in. But European Cup quarter-finals after a thrilling 29-22 way, Gopperth kicking a quick brace of penalties for season, but said she had forgotten about favorites Simon Shnapir and Marissa Castelli we gave it everything we had against some victory over Castres yesterday. a 24-17 lead. Flanker Jordi Murphy was played in for 2013 already, adding “2014 has been really The Irish province sit atop Pool 1 with 17 points, Leinster’s third try to seal a vital win, Lamerat scor- won the pairs championship. Gracie Gold tremendous competition.”Skating in front of good so far.” won the women’s free skate later Saturday, their home crowd on the rink the Bruins call four points ahead of Northampton, who ran out 29- ing a deserved late consolation try for the home Hoefl-Riesch regained the lead in the 17 victors over Ospreys in Swansea. side. followed by 15-year-old Polina Edmunds and home, Shnapir tossed Castelli high into the overall standings one day after she lost it to 2010 OIympian Mirai Nagasu - leaving two- air for a triple twist and then threw her into a It means Northampton’s only chance of qualify- In Wales, Northampton ground out an at-times Austria’s Anna Fenninger after Saturday’s ing for the knock-out phase is a bonus-point victory dour win over Ospreys, Stephen Myler kicking four time US champion Ashley Wagner fourth and high-point value quad salchow that she fin- downhill. The German has 731 points and at home over Castres on Friday, with Leinster - who first-half penalties to one from Dan Biggar. needing help from the selection committee ished with a fall - their only major mistake of Fenninger, who finished eighth, 709. Tina have a far superior points differential - losing at It wasn’t until early in the second hald that the to make the team that will go to the Sochi the routine. He also did a triple toe loop Ospreys. Kiwi fly-half Jimmy Gopperth was the cata- Saints came to life, a turnover and quick play-the- Weirather of Liechtenstein is third with 673. Olympics. when she went around twice, costing them lyst in driving Leinster to the away win over the ball setting Wales winger George North haring “Of course I am really happy,” Hoefl- The men’s long program is Sunday. The some points. They were shaken, but nor French Top 14 champions, with each side scoring down the left for a try. Riesch said. “But there’s also a little bit of dis- US Olympic figure skating teams will be stirred.—AP three tries apiece. Scrum-half Rhys Webb scored a sniping try for appointment. It wasn’t perfect skiing from “We didn’t get the greatest start,” Gopperth told the Ospreys to breathe some life into a game des- me. And I missed second place by 0.07 yes- Sky Sports. “They’re a great attacking side. “But we perately short on quality. terday and again today. But all in all it was a got some forward ball and looked after it and But Northampton hit back with a George Pisi very satisfying weekend.” scored some tries. “We worked hard for each other, touchdown. The home side were not out of it, how- Earlier yesterday, most of the 19 starters we want to be in the top eight.” ever, Alun-Wyn Jones driving over from a line-out, who failed to finish the super-G went out at It was Castres’ first home defeat in 19 games, but Biggar’s conversion taking the score to 22-17. the Panorama, a sharp right turn about 40 they started well, scoring a fantastic opening try The Saints responded through an opportunistic seconds into the run. Going into the curve through Scotland lock Richie Gray, set up by a mazy Glenn Dickson try to round off a desperately disap- with too much speed made it difficult to run from centre Remi Lamerat. pointing campaign by the Welsh region. make the next gate. Lamerat was proving a real handful and after Toulouse host Saracens in the late game, with Julia Mancuso, who won the super-com- bumping off a couple of tackles fed winger Remi both sides still able to qualify whatever the result bined in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee in 2007, Grosso who passed back inside to full-back Brice late yesterday, with final Pool 3 games next week also went out at that point. Her American Dulin for a second great try for the French side. against Connacht and Italian whipping boys Zebre. teammate Lindsey Vonn, who has a record But Castres were left kicking themselves after Defending champions Toulon, heavyweight 12 podium finishes in super-combined conceding a soft try from a scrum 10 metres from French rivals Clermont and former winners Munster including a win here in 2009, is out for the their own line, Gopperth skipping through some all secured places in the quarter-finals on Saturday. season because of a right knee injury. weak defence to dot down. The day’s results also ensured Pool 5 leaders It was the first super-combined event of Gopperth claimed a second try shortly after, Ulster and second-placed Leicester advance into the season and the only one before the driving over from close range to leave it 17-12 at the last eight, both are assured of at least finishing Sochi Olympics next month. The women’s BOSTON: Meryl Davis and Charlie White compete during the ice dance free skate at half-time. The Kiwi then drew Leinster to within two as best runners-up. They meet next week to deter- World Cup travels to nearby Flachau for a the US Figure Skating Championships. — AP points with a penalty amd full-back Rob Kearney mine who will win their pool.— AFP night slalom tomorrow. —AP