Great Britain's curling contingents have embarked on their final preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympics, setting up an intensive training camp far from British soil in the stunning Italian Alps.
Alpine Preparation for Olympic Glory
The British men's, women's, and mixed doubles curling teams have established their European training base in the picturesque town of Cembra, nestled in northern Italy's Trentino region. This strategic location provides the perfect environment for focused preparation ahead of their journey to China.
Bruce Mouat, skip of the men's team, emphasised the importance of this training phase: "We're putting in the crucial work here in Italy before we head to Beijing. The facilities and environment allow us to fine-tune every aspect of our game without distractions."
From British Ice to Italian Mountains
The teams previously trained at the National Curling Academy in Stirling, Scotland, but have now transitioned to their Italian headquarters. This international approach demonstrates Team GB's commitment to providing athletes with optimal preparation conditions.
Jen Dodds, competing in both women's and mixed doubles disciplines, explained: "Training abroad creates a different kind of focus. We're living and breathing curling here, building the team cohesion that could make all the difference in Beijing."
Olympic Pedigree and Expectations
British curling carries significant Olympic heritage, with the women's team famously claiming gold at Salt Lake City 2002 and the men securing their historic gold medal at Chamonix 1924. The current squad aims to add to this distinguished legacy.
The training regimen includes:
- Intensive on-ice sessions perfecting technique
- Strategic gameplay development
- Physical conditioning programmes
- Team bonding exercises
- Mental preparation for Olympic pressure
As the athletes complete their Italian training block, anticipation builds for their performance on winter sports' biggest stage, carrying British hopes for curling success in Beijing.
