CAFE COMPETES WITH THE BEST AT WORLD JUNIOR SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS March 10 2006: Eighteen-year-old New Zealand representative Tim Cafe clocked his second best result ever in Super G at the World Junior Ski Championships in Canada and had a good finish in the tough field in the giant slalom.

Cafe was New Zealand’s only representative at the World Juniors and Ski Racing New Zealand Alpine Director Jim Davis says from a development point of view it was an excellent series for him.

The World Juniors attracts the best in the world many skiers are ranked under 150 in the world and are still racing at junior level.

Cafe was 43rd overall in the Super G clocking 1.16.15 and an 83 point result which he was personally pleased with. The winner Michael Sablatnik of Austria, in his final year at the World Juniors, won in 1.11.81.

In the giant slalom Cafe was 53rd in a field of 99 competitors. He also completed the challenging downhill,  but did not finish the slalom.

Mr Davis says the experience will stand him in good stead.

“It gave him exposure at the World Juniors level and as he has another year of eligibility it will help him prepare for next year’s championships.”

Cafe is currently New Zealand slalom title holder as well as holding the junior slalom and giant slalom titles.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: SUE BRIDGWATER SRNZ CEO 03 9806868