Fresh Powder Makes For Challenging Racing At Landrover Masters (03-Aug-08)

Mt Hutt, NZ, August 3, 2008 - Two meters of soft fresh new snow over the past week

Two metres of soft fresh new snow over the past week made for tough racing conditions on Saturday for the first race in the Landrover Mt Hutt Masters.

Almost one hundred competitors at Mt Hutt had to contend with very soft snow during the Giant Slalom. The course, originally set from Tower 14 on the Summit Six, and then moved downhill to Noel's Knoll, ran through the Wolds, before reaching the home stretch of Jonnie Dole's run.

Mt Hutt Race & Events crew worked tirelessly, constantly slipping, digging and resetting the course to counteract the effects of the packed powder snow surface.

Race co-ordinator Richard Murphy commended competitors on their skiing ability given the conditions.

“It took sheer nerve and a commitment to take the bull by the horns to head through this course at high speed. Hard conditions are best for racing and the soft course certainly provided a challenge.”

Mr Murphy said the turnout for the event was impressive.

“81 year old "Bad Frank" Baddley took to the course in fine style and some great ski racing was seen from women's winner, Deannie Johnstone of Queenstown, whose combined time (2:27.34) beat second place getter Elizabeth Wallace (2:34.29). The men’s race was closer still with, Roland Kuhn (2:24.16) losing out to Jon Wardrop (2:22.65).”

One of Mt Hutt's biggest snow seasons in many years prevented the running of the Super G and Slalom.

"It was disappointing not to get the entire schedule off in one of Mt Hutt’s favourite races but the safety of our competitors is always the priority.”

Mr Murphy noted there weren't too many objections to the cancelation of the Sunday schedule, due to the outstanding powder to be had both on and off trail.

"We look forward to the return of the Landrover Mt Hutt Masters next year,” he said, “and offer our sincere thanks to race sponsors Landrover, Wombat's Ski shop, Qantas and Atomic.”

The next races in the Landrover Masters Ski Racing series are to be held at Coronet Peak near Queenstown on August 8th.