Stage Set For Burton NZ Open

15 July 2004

Stage Set For Burton NZ Open

The snow is falling, sun is forecast and conditions are looking excellent at Cardrona Alpine Resort for the Southern Hemisphere’s premier snowboarding competition, the Burton New Zealand Open, this weekend.

Over 20cm of fresh snow has fallen in the last 48 hours setting the stage for the world’s top snowboarders in the Monster Moro Superpipe and Heavy Metal Terrain Park. Although world champion Keir Dillon has had to withdraw due to injury, the level of competition remains high with the start list including top riders from Canada, USA, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. They are all competing for the $10,000 prize pool and the kudos of winning the first competition in the 2004 World Open Series.

“Conditions couldn’t be better for such a high profile event that’ll show the world just how good snowboarding can be in New Zealand,” said Nigel Kerr, Cardrona spokesperson. “Last year over 600 spectators lined the side of the pipe and were amazed at the level of riding both from the visitors and our own Kiwi riders. This year promises to be even better. The pipe is in great shape and the terrain park has got some interesting new features to challenge the world’s best.”

The actions kicks off tomorrow (Friday) at 12pm with the invitational Vodafone Rail Jam. This informal jam promises to be a spectacular showcase of the world’s top riders having fun throwing down rail slides and hitting table tops in Cardrona’s Heavy Metal terrain park.

Saturday morning sees the start of the competition for the New Zealand Open title. Women’s qualifiers start at 10am with men following at 11.15am. The finals are scheduled to take place at 1pm.

ENDS

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