BOBSLEIGH duo Will Golder and Kevan Crowell hope today’s Europa Cup race at Cesana will prove just how far they have progressed since their last attempt at the track.

The pair are familiar with the Italian resort, having finished in eighth place at the British Championships in November. That was the event that secured their place in the Great British squad as one of three development crews for the current Europa series.

Last week, at their first ever Europa Cup event, in St Moritz, Golder and Crowell were the only one of those three development crews to complete the race after the others crashed in training. Although they then finished last overall, the NatWest-sponsored pair were praised by GB coach Sean Olsson, who said he was impressed by their dedication and determination.

He travelled with the team on Sunday to Cesana, for two days of training before competitive races begin today. Crowell said: ‘I’ve always taken Cesana lightly when compared to St Moritz, because it’s a track we’ve been to before, and I feel comfortable coming back to it.’

• Picture: Will Golder and Kevan Crowell in action. Picture by Advocate Peter Mourant