The science of skiing

NEWS RELEASE

GM OF CANADA

************************* Canadian Alpine Ski Team finds winning aerodynamics Canada's top ski racers use GM's sophisticated laboratory to refine their racing technique in preparation for the coming season WARREN, MICHIGAN (October 7, 2006) - In a unique collaboration between science and sport, members of Canadian Alpine Ski Team (CAST) took part in wind tunnel testing.

As part of the "Own the Podium" initiative, Canada's top skiers were subjected to the same vigorous aerodynamic testing used by North America's leading automaker, General Motors (GM).

The sophisticated training session was held in the state-of-the-art wind tunnel at the GM Aerodynamics Laboratory in Warren, Michigan, where automotive engineers develop the aerodynamic capabilities of new GM cars and trucks.

"GM provides technical expertise, vehicles and world-class facilities to drive the newest generation of elite Canadian skiers to be the best," said Fred Lautenschlager, manager, promotions and special events, GM of Canada.

"We try to take our relationship with Alpine Canada beyond the traditional sponsorship by making the latest technology available to propel Canada's Team to greater success on the World Cup circuit this year," said Lautenschlager

Coaches and athletes use the wind tunnel to experiment with various race positions and 2006/07 downhill suits, gloves, base layer as well as helmets and goggles against wind speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour.

"This was my first experience with the wind tunnel and it was really cool," said two-time Olympian and five-time FIS World Cup podium winner Genevieve Simard.

"Some races are won by just a few hundredths of a second so if I can work with the help of GM on something that takes me from fifth to first, I'm willing to put the work in," she said.

"GM's involvement with [Alpine Canada Alpin] ACA is critical to the ongoing success of our athletes," stated Ken Read, President of Alpine Canada Alpin, the governing body for ski racing in Canada.

"Together we share unparalleled passion for the sport of alpine skiing," Read said.

"The technical expertise we leverage is difficult to find anywhere else."

"It helps us gain the needed edge to win podiums at the international level and ensure our athletes possesses leading-edge technologies."

CAST women Genevieve Simard (Val-Morin, Quebec), Allison Forsyth (Nanaimo, B.C.), Sherry Lawrence (Calgary, Alberta), Shona Rubens (Canmore, Alberta), Britt Janyk (Whistler, B.C.) tested throughout the day Saturday along with Women's Speed Coach and CAST alumni Rob Boyd.

The skiers were filmed in various racing positions as smoke was blown across their bodies to provide visual cues about wind patterns.

Alpine Canada's technical and coaching personnel, along with the skiers, are then able to analyze the film footage and other data.

Stefan Guay (Mont Tremblant, Quebec), Jan Hudec (Calgary, Alberta), Vincent Lavoie (Cap Rouge, Quebec) and Men's Head Coach Paul Kristofic will participate in wind tunnel training on Sunday.

CAST team members will put in use the findings of the wind tunnel testing to prepare for the upcoming World Cup alpine ski season, including the Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup in November and the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in February.

Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) is the governing body for ski racing in Canada.

Founded in 1920, ACA represents coaches, officials, supporters and athletes, including the elite racers of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and the Canadian Disabled Alpine Ski Team.

Relentlessly pursuing excellence, ACA seeks to put Canadian athletes on the top step of the podium through the commitment of financial, technical and human resources.

For more information on Alpine Canada Alpin, visit www.canski.org

GM of Canada is the official sponsor and exclusive vehicle provider for the nation's premier developmental alpine racing series - the Pontiac GMC Cup.

For over 35 years, GM of Canada has supported the development of elite amateur ski racers in Canada.

The Pontiac Cup Series from 1969 to 1981 produced Canadian international skiing greats and Olympic medallists, such as Alpine Canada Alpin president Ken Read, and World Cup champions Laurie Graham, Steve Podborski, Todd Brooker and Kathy and Laurie Kreiner.

Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, General Motors of Canada employs more than 20,000 people nationwide.

GM of Canada manufactures a variety of vehicles, engines, transmissions and other components, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 759 dealerships and retailers across Canada.

Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.

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