Multisport Legend Steve Gurney Wins Suitcase Race

Multisport Legend Steve Gurney Wins Auckland Airport Suitcase Race on Coronet Peak

Queenstown Saturday June 27th 2015 4.30 pm

Dressed as “Turbo The Racing Snail” nine times Coast to Coast winner Steve Gurney took top honours in the adrenaline filled Auckland Airport Suitcase Race held this afternoon in perfect snow conditions on Coronet Peak.

Held as part of the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, the race saw competitors ride their suitcases down one of the steepest downhill runs trying to be not just the fastest but also the best dressed.

Gurney, aged 51, almost came out of his shell as he smashed into the barriers at the finish line. “I was playing the role of the sly under-snail, saving my top speed for the last 20 metres” said Gurney after the highly competitive race.

Other events held as part of the Festival’s Mountain Mayhem programme featured the American Express Dash for Cash and a more sedate snowman building competition for the kids.

Eighteen year old Hamish Garrick of Queenstown won the men’s Dash for Cash race, while Erin Greene aged 32 from Christchurch won the women’s race and 46 year old Charlie Phillips took out the Veterans title.

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival wraps up tomorrow with the spectacular Ultimate Ears Slopestyle event on the Remarkables ski field and the Auckland Airport Community Carnival in Queenstown’s town centre.

The American Express Queenstown Winter Festival is in its 41st year and attracts over 45,000 people each year, generating over $55 million for the local economy.

ENDS

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