SKI RACING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 204, 30 July 1937, Page 3

SKI RACING.

CONTESTS AT MT. COOK. AMERICANS WIN AGAIN. Per Press Association. THE HERMITAGE, July 28. The American skiers took all before them in the second slalom race against the New Zealanders in the championships at Mt. Cook. The course was even more difficult than for the first slalom and averaged 30 to 35 degrees with frozen snow on the steepest part, ‘ As in the first slalom, the flags were set to conform with the terrain in the direct line that would be taken by an experienced man in making a descent. Correct spacing between the flags made for rhythmic travelling from top to bottom.

Durrance and S. Bradley were the only two who negotiated the course twice without falling. Lachlan and Macmillan were upset tour times on the icy slopes. Durrance, who is only 5 feet G inches in height, gave another brilliant performance, giving some confirmation to the saying that when he falls on skis a national holiday is declared in U.S.A. His was perfect timing and the rhythm of motion. Results: Slalom (combined times for two descents).—R. Durrance (America), 2min. 13 3-osec., 1; D. Bradley (America). 2min. 32£see., 2; J. Lachlan (America). 3min. 24sec., 3; B. Murphy (New Zealand). 3min. 34 l-ssec., 4; B. McMillaln ■ (New Zealand), 3min. 46 2-5 sec., 5; H. Wigley (New Zealand), 4 min. 21sec , 6.

Teams’ times (best three_ performances of each team): America 7min. 26 4-ssec.; New Zealand llmin. 41 4-ssec. A violent north-west storm, with rain and | snow overnight, prevented the cross-country events from being held to-day. The Americans, who left Ball Hut for the Hermitage this afternoon, expressed pleasure at the sportsmanlike qualities of the New Zealanders in all events, especially the jump,' in which the New Zealanders, though declaring they had no chance of winning, competed for the fun of the sport. The sportsmanship of the Americans was eulogised at the Hermitage tonight by Air R. L. Wigley. managing director of the Mount Cook Company. Air Frank Drewitt. on behalf of the New Zealand Ski Council, also referred to the sportsmanship of the visitors in making available their knowledge to the New Zealand team for a/week prior to the contests. I lie experience thus gained would be invaluable to the Dominion.