Six International World Cup Teams To train at New Zealand’s Mt Hutt For 2010 Olympics (20-Jul-09)

Mt Hutt, New Zealand. Visitors to Mt Hutt in New Zealand this winter will be rewarded

Visitors to Mt Hutt in New Zealand this winter will be rewarded with some spectacular skiing action as the “Capital of Speed” plays host to several World Cup Teams in training for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

From 20 July through to 20 September Mt Hutt’s International Race Training Arena will be set alight by athletes reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h in the Downhill training course. Teams this year include Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia as well as Olympic hosts Canada.

Paul Marks, Head of Race and Events, said the Arena was in superb condition and encouraged people to come and witness the world’s best alpine ski racers in action.

“We’re going to see some pretty intense training this year in the build up to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next year,” he said. “It’s a privilege to host these world class teams on our slopes and we’ll be rewarded with some amazing ski racing. The speeds these athletes reach is unbelievable and incredible to watch.”

Mr Marks said the Australia New Zealand Cup Finals (ANC) and the National Championship Super G in early September (8 -11) promised to be another race event highlight this season.

“Athletes from all over the world will compete in this final race of the ANC series where an overall champion will be crowned,” he said. “It’s the biggest race competition in Australasia, and is just one step below the World Cup and a fantastic spectator event with lots going on both on and off the hill.”