(5) The
inrun is the name of the approach ramp the skier travels down to build speed heading into the jump.
Unlike downhill skiers, ski jumpers don't need ski poles to propel themselves down the ramp, or inrun (see Nuts & Bolts, p.
To maximize distance, jumpers try to reach top speeds while racing down the inrun. In the roughly six seconds it takes to whoosh down the incline, "All you can feel is the wind going through your helmet," says team member Abby Hughes, 18.
Furthermore, before the start of each contest, the length of the inrun is determined by the jury, depending on snow and wind conditions.
If a jumper reaches 95% of the jury distance, the contest is interrupted while the three members of the jury consult with each other on whether to shorten the inrun. The chairman of the jury is the technical delegate of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
Murphy was more than happy with the gelding's rvellous recent record
inrun in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time, where he finished a well-beaten 13th but was staying on well in the closing stages.