U.S.’s Jitloff Takes Slalom at Coronet Peak

Japanese Women Fare Well in Fast Conditions

Queenstown, New Zealand – 21 August, 2009 -- In excellent race conditions in the Rocky Gully Race Arena at Coronet Peak Friday, Tim Jitloff of the US took the first slalom race of the Air New Zealand FIS Southern Cup Race Series with a combined time of 1:30.59.

Norway’s Leif Kristian Haugen was second and Japan’s Ryuunosuke Ohkoshi third on the Men’s Side.
New Zealand National Development team member Jamie Prebble finished eighth in 1:40. 27.

“It was a great day of racing and training,” said New Zealand Development Team Coach Pete Sanford, referring to the firm, fast track. “It’s great for our racers to experience World Cup conditions.”

On the Women’s side, Japanese racers took three of the first four spots, led by Hiromi Yumoto (1:39.20) and Mizue Hoshi (1:39.42). Canada’s Erin Mielsynski was third.

Harriett Miller-Brown was in good form in challenging conditions, and finished eighth. The final round of Men’s and Women’s slalom races are scheduled for Saturday.

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.

For complete race results, visit www.fis-ski.com.

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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