Proper
Use of the Hairpin Turn in Slalom:
Let's
examine why the second arrangement of a hairpin, that is described as a
"thru hairpin", is rarely set. The second arrangement of a two gate
vertical combination is set so that the fastest line is achieved by entering the
first gate on a direct line from the gate above. In this case the first gate of
the combination is referred to as an "through gate". Setting a hairpin
"through" is not considered to be good course setting practice. This
is because the same race track can be described by setting a single open gate in
place of the two gate vertical. So the hairpin is a "waste" of a gate.
Another reason that argues against setting a "through" hairpin is that
the hairpin (when set "over") serves as a device that effects a
transition in the race track, bringing it across the hill. Setting a hairpin to
accomplish what can be accomplished by setting a single open gate is a
"waste" of the hairpin. Some course setters set the combination so
that the last gate in the series, the one placed at the bottom of the line of
four, is offset from the line established by the others. This is inconsequential
since the bottom pole has no effect on the selection of the turn or racing line
(it's not a turning pole). The reason this is done is to keep the pole
clear of racers that may be turning late, and over-shooting the ideal line.