Hotham fires up for final races of the Ski & Snowboard Cross Australian NZ Cup this week

Video: Meet Australia’s 2018 Olympic Winter Games snowboard cross team hopefuls as they prepare for the Australian NZ Champioships this week at Mt Hotham.

The final races of the ski and snowboard cross Australian NZ Cup get underway at Mt Hotham this week as a sequel to the first races that set the tone for the season last month.

OWIA athletes Cam Bolton and Alex Pullin were winners of the first two races and will be looking to do the same and secure FIS points for the start of the 2017-18 season ahead of the Olympic Winter Games in February.

“It’s pretty cool that Hotham provides us with a track we can come home to compete on and test boards. In terms of what we can work on technique wise, in preparation for the northern season, it’s unreal” Pullin said of Hotham’s snowboard cross course.

NSWIS athlete Georgia Baff was a consistent winner in the first two races, though will sit out racing this week due to a back injury sustained during training, joining Belle Brockhoff who is due to return to snow after knee surgery earlier in the year.

Baff is out of action for six weeks and plans to head to Austria in November for the Europa Cups.

“I'm so keen for the first couple of Europa cups and after that I'm looking forward to getting to race in some World Cups in the 2017-18 season.” She said. 

“Of course it's the Olympic year so I'm doing everything I can to get healthy and fit again, giving myself the best chance to make the Australian team and compete in Peyongchang in Feb!”

To get back into physical form, Baff has been rehabilitating with physiotherapy, light gym exercise and enjoying the free time with friends while she can before a busy northern winter season.

SSA asked who she thought was looking good on the course so far this season.

“Adam Lambert has definitely caught everyone’s attention this last season and gave the big dogs a run for their money at the last Hotham event.  It's also great to see Henry Collins again and some younger boys and girls competing in their first few FIS races. Emily Boyce is looking good to get the overall in the women’s. I wish I could be down there to hang out with everyone and have a great time competing!” 

Sami-Kennedy Sim will be out to finish first in the ski cross races, tying up back to back wins after her first success at Mt Buller three weeks ago.

Course training is on Thursday ahead of race three and four on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August 2017.

Approximate schedule Friday and Saturday:

8am course inspection
9am training
10am qualifications
1pm finals
3pm presentations

For live timing and results visit www.snowracer.com.au 

Alexandra Rouse
Ski & Snowboard Australia