McGlinns Encore Win Caps Wanaka Tech Series; Howden Podiums for Men

Christchurch’s Alexandra McGlinn put the finishing touches on a spectacular week of racing as she dominated the Wanaka Tech Series’ final race, a FIS slalom at Treble Cone on the weekend.

Earlier this week McGlinn won the Wanaka Tech Series slalom at Cardrona Alpine Resort. She followed that up with a second-place finish in the giant slalom, then capped her week Saturday with another slalom victory on Treble Cone’s Main Street.

McGlinn, a New Zealand Development Team member, showed the international field, her teammates and her coaches that she’s on the rise.

“Obviously a great week for Allie,” said Development Team Coach Pete Sanford. “She was consistent. She was aggressive. She really stood out.”

Indeed McGlinn won Saturday’s two-run slalom by more than five seconds, with a combined time of 1:39.69.
Second place in the race went to teammate Monique Oosterbaan, whose two-run total was 1:45.12. Other top Kiwis Saturday were Sophia Jamieson in 7th (1:51.33); Clare Boanas in 10th (1:55.84); Lucy Hannon in 11th (1:56.92) and Melissa Jones in 12th (1:58.10).

In the men’s slalom race at Treble Cone, Wellington’s Angus Howden (1:42.63) made the podium with a strong third-place finish behind Switzerland’s Moreno Testorelli, who was first in (1:41.38) and Italy’s Aldo Ballabio (1:42.56), who placed second.

Howden is hoping for a strong Southern Hemisphere season and an impressive start to the coming Northern Hemisphere season.

Additional top Kiwis on the men’s side Saturday included Development Team members Willis Feasey in 16th (1:56.35); Nick Pascoe in 20th (2:05.98); Finlay Neeson 21st (2:06.32) and Louis Cronin 24th (2:10.65).

Snow Sports New Zealand Alpine Director James Lazor said he was pleased with how the races came off throughout the week. “The volunteer officials and the Race Organiser, Wanaka Ski & Snowboard Club, did a fantastic job,” said Lazor. “Their support, combined with the support we receive from FIS, make these races possible.”

Complete race results are available at www.fis-ski.com or www.skiracing.org.nz.