US puts on spectacular show for FIS Southern Cup finale at Coronet Peak

Posted on 26 August 2010 at 07:42 PM

In the final event of the 2010 Air New Zealand Japanese FIS Southern Cup at Coronet Peak it was the US Men’s team who triumphed, taking out all three top positions in the second of the Giant Slalom races today (24 August).

Will Gregorak (USA) swept in to claim first place honours with team mates Tommy Ford (USA) following in second and Warner Nickerson (USA) third.  Ben Griffin was the first New Zealander home in tenth place. 

In the Women’s Giant Slalom race Margrethe Fausa (NOR) won first place, with Christina Geiger (GER) taking second and Mizue Hoshi (JPN) finishing third.  The first female home for New Zealand was Sarah Jarvis, who showed consistency by once again notching up 6th place, the same as yesterday’s Giant Slalom race.

The four-day series, held in the Rocky Gully Race Training Arena and on The Hurdle at Coronet Peak, has seen dozens of international athletes battle it out in a series of Giant Slalom and Slalom events.

The Air New Zealand Japanese FIS Southern Cup race is one of New Zealand's largest and most competitive annual ski races, attracting some of the strongest ski racing fields of the Southern Hemisphere season.

Snowsports New Zealand Alpine Manager James Lazor thanked Coronet Peak and said it was yet another successful event staged by the Queenstown ski area.

“The series was a huge success and we really enjoy the great working relationship that we (New Zealand) have with Japan, in particular with Tom Matsuoka from the Sports Unity group,” he said.

Race and Events Head of Department at Coronet Peak, Richard Murphy, extended his congratulations to all teams and athletes who took part in the races and said this year’s competition had been incredibly exciting.
“We’ve had entire teams steal the show and dominate the podium places, New Zealander Ben Griffin notch up a new record for his country and some intense competition from international athletes,” he said.

“The series finished today with yet another fantastic bluebird day that made for awesome conditions. We’re already really looking forward to the races returning next year.”

ENDS