22nd September 2004
Mangaehuehu Speed Track 'peeking'.

There is now just 2 weeks to go until the 2004 New Zealand Speedski Championships. The Mangaehuehu Glacier Speed Track is looking the best that it has looked in 12 years. It has been beautifully prepared by a huge Class 5 avalanche that swept from the top ridge to the tree line last year. All of the debris easily survived the summer and a 3.23 metre (10.66 feet) snowpack this season has left a perfect smooth track.

Defending champions Russell Baunton & Janine McLroy are both confirmed as starters for the event. Chris Gebbie, New Zealand's current No.1 ranked speed skier will also be competing.

"Speed skiing is not like other events, we are really dependent on the weather and snow conditions. This years event has the potential to be one out of the bag, the New Zealand record is up for grabs," said retired Olympic speed skier David Scott.

"Your New Zealand ranking largely depends on making sure that you are at your best at the fast events. The Speed Track is the best I've seen it since speed skiing events started in New Zealand in 1996."

The New Zealand record set at a New Zealand event is 173.070Km/hr set by Martin Jones at the Lake Alta track at The Remarkables in 1987.

Rob McCraken from the USA fastest (144.462Km/hr) at last year's Nationals on Raceline, the 'backup' speed track at Turoa.