2009 SkiMoNZ Race Series

The 2009 Ski Mountaineering New Zealand (SkiMoNZ) race series is shaping up to be a cracker, with new race formats and world class racers set to lift the leave of ski mountaineering races in New Zealand.

Both the CraigieBurner and Ruapehu Ripper, now well established races, will return, with The Tour, a multi day, team’s race rounding out the calendar.

A date is still to be confirmed for the Ruapehu Ripper, with the CraigieBurner taking place on the 5^th September and The Tour, based out of Cheeseman, over the 19^th and 20^th September. Interest in the ’09 series has already been high, especially for The Tour, which has limited spots when entry opens in late June.

The SkiMoNZ race series will act as a trail for those who are looking at making the 2010 SkiMoNZ Race Team for the Ski Mountaineering World Champs, to be held in Andorra in March next year.

New Zealand racers will be fortunate to pit there skills against some of the top racers from around the world. Current World Cup winner and top female French racer Laetita Roux will spend the winter in NZ, racing and training. While Spaniard, Javier Martian, who recently ranked 5^th in the Europe Champs will be in NZ for all of September. Other international racers, top Britain Carron Scrimgeour and recent Canadian Cup winner Reiner Thoni will also be racing in NZ.

This top level of international competition will no doubt give 2007 and ’08 series winners Gena Sbiva and Jane Harper, as well as some strong up and comers, great race experience, as well as making for a great spectacle. 

Support for the 2009 race series has been strong, with sponsors quick to jump on board. The big news on this front is Singapore Airlines confirming their support via assistance with travel to Andorra for those who get selected for the World Champs.

Other sponsors are the New Zealand Alpine Club, The Climber Magazine, MountainZ.co.nz, iclimb.co.nz, Dynafit and Buff.

For more info please visit www.skimonz.blogspot.com