OHAKUNE RACER WINS CANADIAN DOWNHILL RACE

17 February 2006

February 17 2006:  Nineteen-year-old National Development Team representative Benjamin Griffin of Ohakune has won a downhill event, and taken second place in another, at the Mars Grand Prix at Apex in British Columbia, Canada.

Griffin who is currently training at Silver Star in Canada with coach John Armstrong, fought off a tough challenge to take first place in the downhill yesterday, winning the race in 1.20.24. Ian Cumming of Canada pushed him hard finishing in 1.20.61 while Canadian Ben Podborski was just outside in 1.20.72 to take third place.

Podborski is the son of Steve Podborski who was one of the legendary 'Crazy Canucks' who made skiing history for their outrageous downhill exploits in the 1980s. In 1980 Steve Podborski won an Olympic bronze medal for downhill and the following year he won the World Cup Downhill title.

In the previous race Griffin clocked 1.22.28 to take second place behind Jeff Hume of Canada in 1.21.65.  In both downhills Griffin started with bib number 18  and his perforamce significantly improved his placing and his world downhill ranking.

He also achieved 8th and 9th places in two Super G races as part of the Apex series, again moving up the field from his start position.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: JIM DAVIS SRNZ ALPINE DIRECTOR

021 577187