Park City, UT (Wednesday, January 21, 2004) - Six young ski racers - three boys, three girls - have been chosen by the U.S. Ski Team to compete next month at the renowned Topolino Trofeo races in Pinzolo, Italy, the team announced.

The Topolino competitions are regarded as the premier races worldwide for J3 skiers (i.e., born in 1989 or '90). The races, a giant slalom and a slalom, will be Feb. 13-14 with young teens from about 40 nations competing.

Named to the team (with age, hometown, club program): Boys - Colby Granstrom (13; Lake Stevens, WA/Stevens Pass Race Team), Taylor Lynch (14; Breckenridge, CO/Quantum Sports Club) and Luke McLaughry (14; Norwich, VT/Ford Sayre Ski Team). Girls - Kerri Dutcher (13; Easthampton, NY/Stratton Mountain School), Blaine Martin (14; Greenwood Village, CO/Team Summit) and Kiley Staples (14; Park City, UT/Rowmark Academy).

Selection was made through a qualification process with one male, one female skier emerging in the East, Rocky/Central and Western regions of USSA. Beth Raymond of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Eastern Office in Rutland, Vt., will be team manager; coaches will include Louis Otto of the Stevens Pass Race Team, Scott Tanner from Quantum Sports Club and Alberto Senigagliesi of the USSA support staff.