Galliano Masters Boarder Zone T.V Some of N.Z's founding fathers ie Old Bastards Results from Cardrona Dual Slalom: Women: 1   Debra Merrilees, 41 2   Jean Clairmonte, 33 3   Shelly Stevenson, 33 Men over 40: 1   Graeme Burgess, 51 2   Glenn Wills, 46 3   Alan Riches, 40 Men under 40: 1   Martin White, 36 2   Ewan Straight, 32 3   Ste'en Webster, 33 Boarder X: Women: 1   Jean Clairmonte, 33 2   Debra Merrilees, 41 3   Shelly Stevenson, 33 Men over 40: 1   Alan Riches, 40 2   Glenn Wills, 56 3   Graeme Burgess, 51 Men under 40: 1   Ste'en Webster, 33 2   Ewan Straight, 32 3   Martin White, 36 ZONE CLOTHING Boarder Zone T By me here!

From Takapuna to the Bluff, from Australia and Japan, the enthusiasts came in prepared for the 1998 Galliano New Zealand Snowboard Masters.

With an age span of twenty-six years between the oldest and youngest, the range in snowboarding experience and ability was vast. Nevertheless enthusiasm was bubbling from the 40 or so over 30's who decided to chance their luck. The thought of a few free drinks, great prizes, a wicked party, may have been a determining factor in much of the decision making.

Sunday morning broke calm and sunny, snow conditions were perfect and the riders competing were in for a real treat. The event comprised two separate competitions. The dual slalom in the morning, with Galliano supplying a liberal amount of starter fuel. In the afternoon competitors raced down the full length of the National boardercross course.

Marketing manager Nigel Kerr said the boardercross course is often intimidating on first inspection. "Enthusiasm picked them up and carried them through sometimes. They learnt a lot" he said.

After much tough competition and a lot of harmless banter the overall winners were declared. In the women's section 41 year-old Debra Merrilees, of Queenstown came out on top, with Wanaka local, Jean Clairmonte, 33, falling into second place.

Graeme Burgess, 51, of Invercargill, was the best of the over forties, riding with style on a hard boot set up. He was followed by Glenn Wills, 46 of Wanaka and Alan Riches, 40, of Queenstown in second equal.

Of most interest to the spectators was the under forty competition. Last years winner Ewan Straight, 32, of Wanaka, came back to defend his title but after a lot of stiff competition was stilted back to second equal with friend and co-worker Ste'en Webster, 33, of Auckland. Thirty-six year old Martin White, of Queenstown, was the overall winner.

All competitors received souvenirs from Gillette and Adventure Outfitters, and the large prize pool was made up by Scott, Galliano and MO Dean.


Boarder Zone Correspondent - Chris Vile