Next-generation racers compete at Whakapapa

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 553, 13 September 1994, Page 3 (Supplement)

Next-generation racers compete at Whakapapa

The-Primo New Zealand Under 15 Championships, held 12-15 September at Whakapapa Ski Area, saw about 15 young men and 13 selected young women race under conditions similar to international level competition. Ohakune skier Scott Nation took overall 1st place on points in the mens event, winning the slalom race and placed fifth in the giant slalom. Rhys Boberg, another Turoa skier, took first place in the giant slalom. Boberg was placed fourth in the slalom. Whakapapa skier Ben Mazey was placed second in the slalom and fourth in the GS. Turoa race coach Warren Scott said the whole Turoa team raced really well and 'ieft their mark with excellent results by the males". The females finished in the middle of the field, gaining valuable experience. Coaches for Turoa were Peter Wormington and Rupert Prichard.

The GS and slalom were held on 13 September and on Wednesday a parallel slalom was raced. A wards were presented to the top three male and female racers in each event, and the overall title awarded to the male and female with the greatest number of points. The event aimed to provide a show case for New Zealand' s most promising 12-14 year old skiers from the North and South Island. The Championship provided a group of selected young skiers with national level competitive experience to help prepare them for international competition in subsequent years. It aims to assist New Zealand competitive skiing in the identification and recognition of its most talented young skiers. It is expected that skiers successful in this event will provide the core of New Zealand' s representati ve skiers in the future years.