Kiwis Podium in Giant Slalom, The Final Race of the Australia New Zealand Cup

New Zealand Alpine Ski Racers today made an impressive finish to the Australian New Zealand Cup (ANC) Finals and the New Zealand FIS racing season with two podiums in Giant Slalom (GS), including a victory by Whakapapa’s Sarah Jarvis.

Jarvis, who is the current National Champion in GS won the Women’s race in a two-run combined time of 2.29.45, while team-mate Ben Griffin, of Ohakune, placed third in the Men’s in 2.25.40.

Snow Sports New Zealand Alpine Director, James Lazor said it was great to watch Jarvis and Griffin in such great form.

“Both Sarah and Griffin are in a great place with their skiing right now,” said Lazor. “Mentally, physically and technically, Sarah is in really good form. Hopefully she will continue on this path through the northern hemisphere season.”

The Women’s podium was completed by Tereza Kmochova, of Czech Republic, and Charline Vion, of France, who trailed Jarvis by 0.46 second and 0.76 second respectively.

Joining Griffin in the Men’s top-three, Niklas Rainer, of Sweden, secured the gold medal with a time of 2:23.34, followed by Sebastien Sorrel, of France, in second with 2.23.59.

“It’s been a really good week for me,” said Griffin. “The races were run really well and although the snow was difficult the course crew did an amazing job. Racing at Mt Hutt is so much fun. I am really focussed but relaxed at the same time.”

Meanwhile, two additional Kiwis cracked the top-10 on the flawless course set by the Mt Hutt events and race crew. Tim Cafe, of Queenstown, came in sixth in the Men’s, while Lucie Tait-Jamieson, of Auckland, finished fourth in the Women’s.

“What a successful week of racing we have been able to enjoy here at Mt Hutt - the capital of speed,” said Neil Bell, Chairman of the ANC committee. “It certainly makes my task as chairman very easy when we have a great mountain to work with, more good weather than bad and a large field of willing athletes and coaches. The best news for me this year is that we have awarded ANC points to 99 men from 19 countries and 62 women from 18 countries during a series that has had its ups and downs.”

Full results can be found on www.fis-ski.com

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