Whistler’s Answers: March 13, 1986Whistler’s Answers: March 13, 1986
In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1986. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: Whistler hosted the Molson World Downhill and Super GS on March 15 – 16, 1986. Like most years when the downhill was held on Whistler Mountain, most of Whistler was involved in some way or another, whether as a Weasel Worker on the course, working on the Village, racing, or as a spectator. With that much investment, it’s no surprise that Whistler residents were often well informed about the racers and had their own predictions of the results. The Canadian men’s team in 1986 featured Gary Athans, Rob Boyd, Todd Brooker, Chris Kent, Chris McIver, Daniel Moar, Brian Stemmle and Don Stevens.
Question: Who do you think is going to win the World Cup downhill in Whistler?
John Robinson – Electrician – Whistler
It’s going to be the wax and ski combination that determines the race. You wake up in the morning and it’s cold and the course is bulletproof. As the boys go down, it warms up and turns to slush. They’ll have to keep changing their waxes. It’s a technical course and Rob Boyd won’t do very well. He doesn’t like them. And he hasn’t skied it much either.
Lorne Grace – Boilermaker – Whistler
I would think Mueller is going to win it. The giant slalom, I can’t comment on. I would go with Mueller because he proved himself here in the past. The two Canadians? Belczyk has never skied here much before and Boyd hasn’t skied the course yet.
John Pratt – Contractor – Vancouver
Wirnsberger will probably win the downhill. He’s leading Mueller by five points. Wirnsberger is a better technical skier and this is a technical course. The Weasel will be the most challenging part – it’s a pretty exciting spot. I think Billy Johnston is a bit of a mouthpiece. He’s a pretty good skier but he hasn’t done much this year.