Day one of the K2 Snowboard challenge at Cardrona Alpine Resort saw some
skilled racing in perfect conditions.
With New Zealand alpine champions, Marc Begg and Pamela Bell absent, the up
and coming had a chance to distinguish themselves and stake a claim for the
national title to be decided in early September at Cardrona.
In the women's division Lee O'Connor was a clear winner in both races ahead
of both New Zealand and overseas riders. Her winning margin was fair
warning that she would like to return to Wellington with the national title
at the end of the season.
The men's racing was far closer with number 1 ranked Korean racer Myung-Gon
Ji providing some very determined opposition for the rising start of Martin
Sporli. The two traded places through the day with Ji taking the first
race by sixth tenths of a second and Martin taking honors in the second
start of the day by two tenths of a second.
The two rivals were clearly ahead of the rest of the field. A result which
Martin will be pleased to take on the road to the nationals.
The K2 snowboard challenge continues tomorrow with a big turnout expected
for the halfpipe event. The prizegiving will be held at Barrows Tavern on
Sunday night with a full DJ lead party expected.
Stay tuned for tomorrows Big Air....
Boarder Zone Correspondent - Nigel Kerr
