World Record Set at Perisher Blue! (31-Aug-08)

Perisher Blue, NSW, August 31, 2008 - On Thursday 28th August, 33 participants from around Australia battled

On Thursday 28th August, 33 participants from around Australia battled it out at Perisher Blue in the hope of setting a world record for the longest ever rail slide on skis. The Salomon Rail Slide, the first ever ski event of its kind, was a huge success attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd to the Resort's Front Valley.

Local Jindabyne skier Miles Clark set a new world record during the preliminary rounds, with an impressive grind of 54.6m. This put him in good stead for the finals, however it didn't guarantee him a cash prize. Miles, along with seven other deserved trialists had to then take on 18 invited riders, all hoping to take home their share of $7,500 in cash and prizes.

Amongst the line-up of invitees was Perisher Blue Fusion Team member and Australian Halfpipe Champion Boen Ferguson and freeride star Russell Henshaw. Russell has had a stellar season, adding to his impressive list of podium placements across Europe and the States with a victory in the recent New Zealand Open slopestyle event.

On-lookers were wowed as the finalists snaked their way down the 100m long rail in an impressive display of athleticism, agility and showmanship. Each round became increasingly more challenging as the benchmark was continually set and then broken.

Up and coming star Nick Breheny blitzed the field with a stunning 43.10m slide, pocketing a cool $5000 for the win. Hue Dowdall took out the second place slot with a 40.80m slide, receiving a cheque  for $2000. While Lachlan McDonald was the third place getter with a slide of 37.7m, receiving $500 for his efforts

Competitor and Fusion Team member Jonno Lipzker said, "The Salomon Rail Slide was a really cool event, I was stoked to see Salomon and Perisher Blue putting so much support behind a ski competition. Everyone was having heaps of fun because the sun was out and there was a really good vibe."