Canadian Women Dominate GS at Coronet Peak

Queenstown’s Cafe Carries Flag for Kiwi Men

The Canadian National Women’s team dominated Wednesday’s GS, posting the six fastest times -- and 12 of the top 13 – on the first day of racing at the Air New Zealand FIS Southern Cup Race Series at Coronet Peak.

The Canadian women were led by Marie Michelle Gagnon with a combined time of 1:44.70.  Gagnon was closely followed by team-mates Genevieve Simard (1:45.14) and Larisa Yurkiw (1:45.83).

With Canada hosting the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in February, the Canadian’s are using these races and the upcoming 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games as opportunities to race train in a competitive environment.

“It looked like a NorAm up at the start,” said Snow Sports New Zealand Alpine Director James  Lazor.

Kiwi Women were led by Alexandra McGlinn (1:50.85), who continued her progress with a strong showing against top-level international competition. Other top Kiwi finishers were Harriet Miller-Brown (22nd in 1:52.67); Emilie Tait-Jamieson (24th in 1:53.04); Taylor Rapley (25th in 1:53.13); Mitchey Greig (26th in 1:53.34) and Monique Oosterbaan (27th in 1:53.60.

McGlinn, a member of the New Zealand Development Team, recently dominated the local Wanaka Tech Series, winning two races and taking second in another.

On the Men’s side Wednesday, Sweden’s Andre Myhrer (1:42.70) took top honours, followed by team-mate Hans Olsson (1:43.02) and Canada’s David Donaldson (1:43.40).

Queenstown’s Tim Cafe flew the flag for New Zealand, and was in good form after a brief layoff due to injury. Skiing with a cast on his arm, Cafe “had a good run,” said Lazor. “He was pleased with his race.”

In a strong field of international racers, Cafe was 14th in 1:45.08. Next top Kiwi was Jamie Prebble in 32nd (1:48.48). Ohakune’s Ben Griffin and Wellington’s Angus Howden did not finish the race.

With firm conditions and on a crisp, crystal clear day at Coronet Peak, the racing was some of the best this season.
One of New Zealand’s largest and most competitive races of the year, the Air New Zealand FIS Southern Cup Race Series regularly attracts some of the strongest ski racing fields of the Southern Hemisphere season, even more so this year with the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games now on the near-term horizon.

The series continues Thursday with more GS racing for men and women, followed by two days of slalom races.
Following the racing on Saturday: the 2009 Black On Track Party, an annual celebration of ski racing in New Zealand that also serves as an important fundraising event for the ski racing community and is organised by the Snowvision Foundation.

At Saturday evening’s event, Ski Racing New Zealand is planning to announce a new partnership with NatureZone and the Aotea Group. Aotea Group is New Zealand’s largest tourism retail group with eight stores in New Zealand.
Aotea Group produces a 100% New Zealand-made Merino adventure wear that is a “must item” for those with an active sporting and social life.

Snow Sports New Zealand is the official governing body and National Sports Organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. Ski Racing New Zealand is a member of Snow Sports New Zealand.

ENDS
For further information:
James R. Lazor, Alpine Director
021 941 033
www.skiracing.org.nz

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