Italian skier breaks downhill speed record

30th March 2016, by Abi Butcher

Ivan Origone smashed his brother's world record in Vars last weekend

An Italian speed skier has broken the record for the fastest man on snow — hitting 254.9kph (158mph) at the weekend.

Ivan Origone broke the world record on a specially groomed piste in the French ski resort of Vars. Ivan’s brother, Simone, held the previous downhill speed skiing record of 156mph.

“It’s the first time I’ve gone really fast. I was so keen to do what I’ve done,” said Ivan afterwards. The skier went from 0 to 200 km/h (124.3mph) in just 5.5 seconds — comparable acceleration to a Formula 1 car.

“This record is the proof that if I’m on a good piste, where I can brake safely, I can cope with any angle and not have any fear.”

Late last month Britain’s Graham Bell announced plans to reach speeds of 170mph on snow, with the help of car maker Jaguar.

• ski
• skiing
• france
• record
• downhill
• vars
• speed
• fast

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