International Podium At Coronet Peak (23-Aug-09)

Coronet Peak, New Zealand, August 23, 2009 - The final race of the Air New Zealand FIS Southern Cup Race Series

The final race of the Air New Zealand FIS Southern Cup Race Series took place at Coronet Peak on Saturday with Sweden’s Jens Byggmark securing to top spot in the second slalom race with a combined time of 1:29:68.

Norway’s Leif Kristian Haugen matched his result from the first slalom race placing second (1:31:35), while Nolan Kasper, of USA, finished third with a time of (1:32:82) in the Men’s.

Japanese and Canadian women continued the trend, taking the top five spots. Canada’s Brigitte Acton led in first (1:35:91), followed by fellow Canadian Erin Mielsynski in second (1:38:23) and Mizue Hoshi of Japan in close third (1:38:78).

Top placing Kiwis were Monique Oosterbaan, who placed eighth in the Women’s, and Harrison Steedman, who placed 17th in the Men’s.

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.

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.