Back on Snow: An Update from New Zealand
An update from Cross Country Gold Team Head Coach, Chris Mallory:
For the past two weeks, we’ve had part of the SVSEF Cross Country Gold Team training down in New Zealand at the Snow Farm, putting some good time in on snow. A few other U.S. clubs along with the National Team also made the trek down, so the training group has been terrific. While we had spring like conditions for the first part of the camp, we’re smack dab in the middle of winter now after a fresh six inches came down last night. Week one we were based out of Wanaka, making day trips up to the Snow Farm while also getting out for some scenic trail runs. Since then, it’s been all about logging k’s on their 40km network, working technique and speeds into sessions, as well getting out for an epic crust cruise. We’re about to get into some racing with the New Zealand Games happening the next three days, which will be a good close to the camp.
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SVSEF Alpine New Zealand Camp in Photos
SVSEF FIS and USSA alpine athletes made the yearly trek down to New Zealand for an on-snow camp; the USSA group was able to get three days on snow in Cadrona, where they free skied and focused mainly on giant slalom. The last day at Cadrona was extremely valuable, as athletes were able to run a full-length giant slalom on varying terrain, from easy to challenging. Following the Cadrona portion of the camp, the team relocated to the shores of Lake Tekapo, about three hours away. Athletes were able to get eight amazing days of skiing at Round Hill.
According to coach Will Brandenburg, “the training was exactly what we were looking for – flat to moderate terrain off of a T-bar, where the athletes were able to get tons of runs in a short amount of time. We skied five days of slalom and three days of giant slalom in at Round Hill. We had a slalom day where the athletes were able to get 25 runs in on a 40 gate course! The crew got to do what they love in one of the most beautiful places in the world. They all made huge gains in their skiing while also getting to explore an amazing new country.”
(Photos courtesy of Brett Jacobson, Scott McGrew and Will Brandenburg)[osd_social_media_sharing]
FIS Skiers Bring the Heat Down Under
As a part of their New Zealand training trip, the FIS crew raced in the Cardrona FIS series August 1 and 2. The athletes competed in giant slalom and slalom, and competed against skiers from around the world; Germany, Canada, South Korea, Great Britain and Italy were some of the countries represented at the races. A total of 14 SVSEF FIS skiers and two alumni competed; John Blackburn, Duncan Fuller, Yuri McClure, Noah Leininger, Ian Hanna, Carter Jendrezak, Jake Blackburn, Matt O’Connor, Max Noddings, Filippo Collini, Stockton Troyer (SVSEF Alum), Will Snyder (SVSEF Alum), Ruby Marden, Ella Pepin, Skylar Cooley and Grace Pepin represented the organization.
In the ladies’ giant slalom, Skylar Cooley and Ella Pepin had strong results in a field of 45 skiers, finishing 12th and 19th, respectively. Standout performances in the men’s race came from Yuri McClure, who posted his second best point result ever and placed sixth out of 91 racers. Filippo Collini made huge strides, rising to 20th place from start number 83. Will Snyder, a SVSEF alum, finished 16th.
In the slalom races the next day, Ella Pepin broke the top 10 with a ninth place finish in a field of 40 racers. Skylar Cooley was right behind her in 10th, and Grace Pepin had a strong race, landing in 12th. A number of SVSEF men had notable results in the slalom. John Blackburn finished 17th out of 84 competitors, which was his career best FIS point result in slalom. Filippo Collini was 21st, again moving up significantly in the start list, this time from 70th. Matt O’Connor finished 24th, also making big gains from his start number of 79. Yuri McClure was 26th, Carter Jendrezak was 30th, Max Noddings was 35th and Jake Blackburn was 37th.
The FIS athletes will continue training at Roundhill Ski Area until they travel to Coronet Peak for two giant slalom and two slalom events, August 8 through 11.
For full results:
Ladies’ Giant Slalom
Men’s Giant Slalom
Ladies’ Slalom
Men’s Slalom