Canadians take top positions at Coronet FIS race

The Canadians dominated the Southern Lakes Cup Mens Giant Slalom, an International Ski Federation (FIS) race held at Coronet Peak this morning (4 August).

The race was designed at the request of the Canadian team and its members showed top form winning the first three places and tying for fourth.
Robbie Dixon took first place honours with team mates Tyler Nella and Ryan Semple in second and third place respectively. The first New Zealander home was Olympian Ben Griffin in fourth equal position with Canadian star skier Manuel Osborne-Paradis.

Richard Murphy said competition was fierce for the FIS points on offer today and that it was an honour for Coronet Peak to host the event.
“The race was created especially for the Canadian team who requested to F.I.S. that it be held at the Queenstown ski area. It was a great way to get the ski racing calendar underway. The course was fine underfoot and held up well. I’m pretty stoked.”

Thirty-two alpine skiers entered the race from teams all over the world including the US, Great Britain, Spain and Korea.
“All racers put in a great performance but Robbie (Dixon) skied out of his skin to win!”

“It’s great to show International teams that we can put on a great World Cup standard race. This is an extremely important event for athletes who are trying to advance to the World Cup later this year,” said Mr Murphy.
The next race to be held at Coronet Peak is the New Zealand Masters, with Downhill and Slalom events held on Friday (August 6) and Giant Slalom event on Saturday (August 7)
ENDS