Ski Club Vail's Gregorak just misses podium in opening FIS slalom in New Zealand

Races under way despite record snowfall Down Under

Today's racing action was the first of four in a series that was nearly scrubbed by heavy snowfall at the Down Under resort where it's the heart of winter. Racers have been challenged by massive amounts of snow in what's been billed as the “Storm of the Century” in New Zealand.

U.S. Ski Team athletes have been struggling with massive snowfall during training in New Zealand.
U.S. Ski Team

U.S. Ski Team Men's Technical Head Coach Mike Day said the races are more about the training than the results, although he was happy to have two racers in the top four.

“We didn't have a bunch of guys racing today because we're obviously down here to train at this point,” Day said. “We're looking at these races as a training opportunity more than anything else. This camp is a continuation of our fundamental progression as we slowly build toward Soelden [Austria in October, where World Cup action starts]. We still have quite a bit of preparation coming up.”

OFFICIAL RESULTS
FIS Southern Cup
Coronet Peak, New Zealand – Aug. 17, 2011

Men's Slalom
1. Lars Elton Myhre, Norway, 1:30.54
2. David Donaldson, Canada, 1:30.69
2. Will Brandenburg, Spokane, WA, 1:30.69
4. Will Gregorak, Longmont, CO, 1:30.71

Women's Slalom
1. Lotte Smiseth Sejersted, Norway, 1:39.29
2. Susanne Riesch, Germany, 1:39.40
3. Lena Duerr, Germany, 1:39.47

For complete results: http://www.fis-ski.com