QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand (August 28, 2009) - A class international trio of World Cup skiers, headed by Canada’s Marie Michelle Gagnon, took out the top three placings in the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games women’s giant slalom at Coronet Peak today.

Sixty six athletes competed representing Great Britain, Japan, Canada, Czech Republic, Poland, Australia, Sweden, France, Norway, Estonia, Korea, Finland, USA and New Zealand.

Race organisers were again faced with tricky conditions, due to rain, snow and wind but achieved an excellent 31 gate course starting on the Hurdle and finishing in Eighth Basin.

“We could not have had the race today but for the race crew at Coronet Peak,” said Techncial Delegate Amanda Shaw. “The snow was soft and it required a lot of work. Once again they did an incredible job.”

Twenty-one-year-old Gagnon who is ranked 42nd in the world in giant slalom produced the fastest first run in 52.42 and third fastest in the second to take the gold medal and the title in 1.43.75.  Poland’s Daniel Agnieszka-Gasiencia 21, who is in the top 65 in the world took second place in 1.44.37 after clocking the third fastest first run. Maria Pietilae-Holmner 23, who won silver in the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games Super-G earlier in the week, placed third in 1.44.49.

Gagnon said the first run was slow due to the soft snow conditions. “I was like come on, come on. In the second run I sat on the ground on the third gate but it was okay and I got through. It was really difficult conditions and I am very happy to win.”

 Therese Borssen of Sweden finished fourth in a combined time of 1.44.85. and Britt Jaynk of Canada had the fastest second run in the field with a blistering 50.67. which, after her first run of 54.21, put her into fifth position.

Other results were: Marie-Pier Prefontaine Canada 1.44.95 6th, Kristine Haugen Norway 1.45.00 7th, Frida Hansdotter Sweden 1.45.15 8th, Larisa Yurkiw Canada 1.45.30 9th, Emiko Kiyosawa Japan 1.45.66 10th.

Kristine Haugen also won the award for the fastest junior skier.

Twenty-three-year-old Sarah Jarvis of Hamilton was the best of the New Zealanders finishing 20th in 1.48.33 and improving her world ranking.

The 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games alpine programme continues tomorrow (August 29) with the adaptive slalom scheduled to start at 9.00am

For further media information, contact:

Victoria Murray-Orr, Media Manager, WGNZ | E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | T: +64 3 443 2700