Skibobbing

the high-speed descent down a hill on a special sled called a skibob. Skibobs have a bicycle-type frame equipped with rigidly attached skis. The steering mechanism for the front (shorter) ski is connected to the frame by a hinged joint and may be set at various heights. The seat is mounted on a motorcycle-type shock absorber. A skibob weighs 6 to 8 kg. The rider wears a suit similar to that of an alpine skier. He has short skis on his boots that help him to maintain his balance, particularly in turns. Competitions are held on special courses that allow speeds of more than 150 km/hr to be attained.

Skibobbing appeared at the turn of the 20th century. The present competition rules were drawn up in 1961, when the International Skibob Federation was established; in 1974 the federation included the national associations of 20 countries. Ski-bobbing is practiced in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Polish People’s Republic, the USA, and a number of other countries. World championships have been held once every two years since 1967; European championships have been held yearly since 1968. The sport is not promoted in the USSR. [23–1502–]