Kiwis Dominate at Whakapapa's Export 33 Xtreme Comp

Comment Share Posted on Saturday September 18th at 9:18 a.m. Tweet

Spectacular extreme skiing and boarding, dominated by the New Zealand athletes, ensured the 2010 Export 33 Xtreme event was a huge success, despite the weather interruptions.

This year's event attracted one of the best fields of competitors from New Zealand and abroad seen in recent years. Several European and US big mountain skiers made the trip to Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa Ski Area seeking the big prize money, and places on the Freeride World Tour given the Export 33 Xtreme is a 3 star qualification event.

Two Kiwis took out both the men's and women's titles of the Mother Snowboard Challenge held on 8 September. Maria Kuzma was the top woman, followed by Malin Lindroos (Finland) and Adeline Gervais of France. The men's competition was dominated by the Kiwis with Callum Goodwin taking out first, and Jordan Decker and Scotty Heale taking second and third respectively.

While day one weather was perfect for competition, weather interrupted the finals of the Export 33 Xtreme skiing event being held later that week so results were taken from the first two rounds completed on 8 September.

New Zealander, and local Mt Ruapehu skier, Nicola Eves took out the women's title. Eves was followed by Sophia Mitteregger of Austria, and Caroline Jeandet of Switzerland in third.

The Open Men's event was won by Swiss skier Romain Bellom who had a spectacular first run scoring an 8.9 to lead the competition, but on his second run crashed and broke his leg. Due to his high first round score, he was able to win ahead of 18 year old Austrian Fabian Lentsch and Kiwi Sam Smoothy who finished in third place.

Mt Ruapehu marketing manager Mike Smith says the big prize money on offer was certainly a key drawcard for the international athletes who travelled to New Zealand for this event.

"We were really impressed with the calibre of big mountain skiers and boarders who took part in the event," says Smith. "The quality of skiing and boarding was exceptional, and we're extremely proud to know the Kiwis did really well."

"It was a shame the weather conditions weren't ideal for the Export 33 Xtreme finals, but the competition on day one was some of the best extreme skiing I've ever seen."

New Zealand's Maria Kuzma (snowboarding), Sam Smoothy (skiing) and Janina Kuzma (skiing) have all qualified for the Freeride World Tour.