A Thrilling Day on the Slopes: Arnold Clark Race Series Rolls Into Castleford

11 Jun

Castleford played host to the latest stop on the Arnold Clark Parallel Lines Race Series tour, and once again, it was a full house. Athletes from all over the UK gathered for a high-energy day of indoor inclusive ski racing, showcasing incredible talent and some truly standout performances.

The format, which has become a hallmark of the series, offered two distinct courses: a stubby course designed for snowboarders and sit skiers, and a full slalom gate setup for those racing on two feet. It’s a layout that continues to deliver both accessibility and a real racing challenge for everyone involved.

One of the most memorable stories of the day came from newcomer Faye Dawson, who made her debut in the Visually Impaired category. Racing alongside guide Ralph Cosham and coached by Lee Cosham, Dawson clinched gold with a performance that turned heads—fast, composed, and fearless. It was an incredible first showing, and she’s definitely a name to watch in the future.

Also lighting up the leaderboard was Stefan Elton, who clocked the fastest time of the day. His powerful, confident skiing was a highlight.

The sit ski category delivered another fierce competition, with several athletes pushing each other to new heights. Mentored by Paralympian Sean Rose, racers Andy Raynor, Andrew Haugen, and Jamie Craik each earned silver medals in their respective classes, showing real progress and determination.

Adding to the day’s inspiration was the presence of not one, but two Paralympians—Sean Rose and Shona Brownlee—whose support and encouragement helped lift the atmosphere and motivate athletes throughout the event.

Of course, none of it would be possible without the people behind the scenes. A massive thank you goes to Arnold Clark for their ongoing support of adaptive snowsport, and to the dedicated volunteers who help make these races run like clockwork—from course setting to timekeeping and everything in between.

The Castleford event served as yet another powerful reminder of the growing talent and passion within the UK adaptive snowsport community. With more races still on the calendar, there’s a lot to look forward to—next up, Milton Keynes on 5th July. You can sign up now via the Parallel Lines Race Series page on Snowsport England.