National ski team trains on Ruapehu

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 18, 2 October 1984, Page 5

National ski team trains on Ruapehu

National ski champion, Markus Hubrich along with the New Zealand team of brother Mattius Hubrich, Simon Wi Rutene, Bruce Grant, Kate Rattray and Christine Grant, have completed two weeks of intensive training on the Turoa Ski-field with team coach Hansueli Rhiner. Markus Hubrich described the snow as excellent and was also quick to commend A.H.l.'s staff for their helpfulness both on and off the mountain. Whilst in Ohakune he visited the Bulletin office where he told us of his impressions of the Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo, Y ugoslavia, earlier this year . Hubrich was most impressed with the organisations at the Olympics, the Yugoslavs themselves were keen to help in any way possible. "Each team had a host and transport to the various venues," said Hubrich. "There were a lot of snow storms which delayed the downhill race in which I finished 35th," he added. "We were very fortunate that our team of six skiers plus coach and manager received clothing sponsorship from Anzi Besson which has been extended to include the new European season." "In fact without such sponsorship and continued support from the Sports Foundation, it would be impossible for the New Zealand Ski Association to send a team to Europe this year," Hubrich stated. Markus and Mattias Hubrich currently reside in Wellington where their father, who is West German, is attached to the Consulate. Both brothers were born in New Zealand and learnt to ski on Coronet Peak.

Twenty-one-year-old Markus said that the Winter Olympics were the highlight of his career thus far. In addition to his performance in the downhill, he was 13th in the Slalom and 20th in the Giant Slalom races. These results gave him a combined total which assured him of first place overall, something he would have received a gold medal for eight years ago but alas not today! National team coach, Hansueli Rhiner, originally from Switzerland is pleased with the New Zealand team's training schedule. He has gone back to the basics with them, working on their technique and race tactics. Rhiner will be travelling with them throughout the European season and is

mildly confident that each skier will improve on lasi year's efforts having each learnt a great deal from the training camp and the Winter Olympics. Local skier, Chris Mosaed has been chosen in the New Zealand B Team and will also travel to Europe for two months.

Mary Anne

Gill