Wanaka, New Zealand (Monday, July 29, 2002) - Twenty top free skiers launched themselves at high speed from the top to the bottom of Cardrona Alpine Resort in today’s Volkl Vertical Hoon.

In its third year, this event is renowned for attracting a talented pool of competitors who have a love for speed. Although an open event only a small contingent of three women entered to face the challenge. Once at the start gates, all bravado was put aside with competitors standing in silence psyching themselves up for pending race.

Seeded into heats of four, the skiers propelled themselves down the off-piste course picking their fastest line through Scum Valley and Arcadia to the bottom of the Double Chair. Catching big air off natural kickers and straight lining the course as much as possible, success meant executing the most difficult line not only at speed but also with technical precision.

There were a number of spills along with way leaving a few competitors with some bruises to remember the day by. Jim Netzer comfortably won the first heat as his three competitors lost at least one ski each. As the heats progressed into the semi-finals the competitors became familiar with the course and the pace became harder and faster.

The adrenalin was pumping for not only the competitors but also for many of the spectators. Tania Kingston was watching nervously on the sidelines while her 16 year old son Nick Kingston competed in the day’s event.

Chaos reigned at the start of today's Volkl Vertical Hoon at Cardrona. (photo courtesy Cardrona Alpine Resort)

An experienced ski racer, and a member of the Wanaka Ski Team, Nick led every heat and cruised to overall victory becoming a $1000 richer. Hamish Ackland (Ashburton), Kris Mayen (Wanaka) and David Scarpa (Queenstown) came in 2nd, 3rd and 4th places respectively.

“This has been the best race of my life,” said Ackland. “Each heat was completely unpredictable and the speed was a huge buzz.”

Geoff McKeown of Volkl was also thrilled with the event. “The talent that we saw out here today was fantastic. By running the event in heats it gave the racers a second chance and allowed them to push themselves even further. Winning became a combination of technical ability, sheer guts and all out speed."