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New Zealand National Championships
New Zealand National Championships
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\r\n10K & 15K Classic. Aug. 14, 2004
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\r\nToday the New Zealand Ski Association held the classic race portion of their national championships. As has been the tradition, several athletes of the US Ski Team participated in the race (the development team athletes are arriving today and thus were unprepared to join in the fun).
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\r\nThe weather today has been sub-par for racing. Temperature was around 0 degrees Celsius and fresh snow fell overnight and continued throughout the race. The main problems were with the strong winds, fog, and blowing snow. However, the course was prepared nicely and the organizers here at the Snowfarm did a good job of putting on a quality, fair race.
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The Start!
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\r\n15K Classic
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\r\n1. Kris Freeman 40:51
\r\n2. Andrew Johnson 41:38
\r\n3. Dave Chamberlain 42:07
\r\n4. Justin Freeman 42:11
\r\n5. Torin Koos 42:20
\r\n6. Andy Newell 42:42
\r\n7. Zack Simons 44:39
\r\n8. Simon Heard 45:32
\r\n9. Zach Hill 47:08
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\r\n10K Classic
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\r\n1. Rebecca Dussault 32:39
\r\n2. Wendy Wagner 32:48
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Justin Freeman (left) and Dave CHamberlain battled for much of the race, with Dave getting a small advantage at the finish.
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\r\nAlthough we had hoped to be able to race the Canadian Team, they scratched it from their schedule a couple days ago. As it was, about forty participants started.
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\r\n“I wanted to see a few specific things from each of the athletes,” said Coach Vordenberg. “I wanted to see the intensity back in Wendy’s skiing. I wanted Rebecca to focus on some of the technique changes she has been working on all summer and not just resort to her old habits. I wanted to see Torin maintain good body position through the whole event, Newell put more power into his already smooth style. I wanted to see Justin better synchronize his arms with his upper-body. I wanted to see Andrew skiing in a higher position and Dave use a better pendulum / swing with his arms, I wanted to see Kris striding on more gradual terrain.
\r\nI also wanted to see each skier give the race everything they had that day and not bring any excuses to the video session later that day.
\r\nWe didn’t accomplish all these mini-goals but for the most part we did and in all cases we made big progress. I am pleased but there is work to do.”
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Justin Freeman having blood drawn post race by USST sport scientist Sue Robson.
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Written By: petevDate Posted: 8/14/2004Number of Views: 365
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