NZsnowboard.com

21st August 2007

The 2007/2008 world cup season kicks off at Cardrona Alpine Resort on Friday 31st August with a half pipe event.

Sixteen international snowboard teams will be entering with the top three women and men from the 2006/7 season competing.  International teams include USA, Canada, Australia, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and Finland. The national New Zealand team comprising of Juliane Bray, Kendall Brown, Mitchell Brown, and James Hamilton have also entered with Bray in particular standing a good chance of achieving a podium.

Tor Svensson, the Swedish coach for the Dutch team, says on behalf of the Dutch riders, ?We are super happy that a FIS World Cup will be held in New Zealand. We?ll see probably one of the best competitions ever because so many good riders will be there. I?m happy FIS made this decision.?

Prize money of NZ$58,000 will be on offer for the top athletes not to mention earning crucial FIS points for their world ranking. F?d?ration Internationale de Ski (International Ski Federation or ?FIS?) is the official world body for snow sports events. Points won on the official circuit lead to an annual world champion and are critical for qualification to the Winter Olympic Games in 2010.
Time schedule Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand:

Friday, August 31st , 2007:           Qualification Men                at 09:55
                                                   Qualification Ladies             at 13:25
 
Saturday, September 1st 2007:     Semi Finals Men/Ladies      at 10:00
                                                   Finals                                 at 12:00

For complete changes, new information and results please visit www.fis-ski.com.  
 

-ends- For further information, please contact:
Bruce McGechan, Sales & Marketing Manager, Cardrona Alpine Resort
T: 03 443 7341   M: 021 501 488   E: bruce@cardrona.com
Oliver Kraus, PR and Media Coordinator FIS World Cup Snowboard
M: + 49 (172) 8482 114 E: kraus@fisski.ch