Midlands based 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps joined the annual Royal Logistic Corps’ (RLC) Nordic Skiing exercise from 23rd November to 19th December 2024. This time the event was hosted in Obertilliach in Austria, which is known for its world class biathlon stadium and traditional Austrian culture.
The first two weeks saw the team training hard and fine tuning technique whilst their two novices, Private’s Jordan “Snowball” Daley and Kyle “Dangerous” Clayton-Barker enjoyed their introduction to Nordic Skiing. The team worked extremely hard earning their rest day which involved taking part in Austria’s Christmas tradition; the annual ‘Krampus run’. The tradition of Krampus dates back many centuries, if you were a naughty child Krampus would come after you. The region plays host to wild ceremonies in early December as local men chase you through the streets dressed as fearsome half-goat half-demon monsters with bells on their back. It was a great experience to be a part of and I have never seen Captain Keith ‘Flash’ Taylor run so fast! However, some Krampus were friendly with one deciding to join Corporal Moloney and Private Arundell for dinner.
With training complete, the team moved into race week which offered five arduous races with a mix of skate and classic techniques over distances ranging from 5-20kms. First was the individual freestyle sprint. The team did well to finish with respectable times, especially our two novices who thoroughly enjoyed their introduction to the pain. Corporal Moloney finished 1st in Female Reserve and Captain Taylor placed in the top 10 overall.
Next was the first team race – the 10km freestyle. The conditions were tough with heavy snowfall, however everyone finished with strong times ensuring first place in the mixed team category. Between racing and training the team were busy waxing and preparing skis, revising for the patrol race, conducting marksmanship in -10 degrees, perfecting relay handover drills and working on flexibility.
For the third race, the team switched their skates for classic skis and did the 10km Cross Country (XC) race. The team once again pulled out some excellent results with Private Arundell finishing as 2nd Reserve overall. “I really enjoyed that race” Private Daley said grinning through sweat and tears. Next up was the 4x5km team relay race, a fun, competitive race where each member of the 4 person team completes a 5km sprint distance before handing over. The Regiment smashed it again cementing the third win in a row. Lance Corporal Allison and Private Clayton-Barker didn’t miss out, they also competed with 2 members of 7 Regiment to make the team aptly named ‘A match made in heaven’.
The final race was the big one – the Military Patrol. A gruelling 20km race over varied terrain consisting of two shoots in different firing positions, team inspections, command tasks and navigation all whilst carrying 40kg between the team on skis. The race was tough with lung busting inclines and tricky descents. The hardest part was not falling over, however, Corporal Moloney took a spectacular slow motion face plant which Captain Taylor found very amusing. After an excellent ski and shoot, the team smashed it out the park with an impressive time, beating all the competition and confirming their place as Champion Mixed Team.
Overall, the team performance was outstanding. Corporal Moloney and Private Arundell won individual medals and the 159 Regiment Mixed Team came 1st in all four team races fighting off some stiff competition from 13 AASR. A very successful season for the team who are keen to return and defend their title in 2025.
Find out more about the Army Reserve.
Published 04/02/2025
