Vallnord Arcalis, Andorra (28 January 2016) - NZ ski racers Blake Hartley (Auckland), Patrick Hartley (Auckland), Kate Richards (Wanaka), Rose Hadley (Queenstown), Ben Richards (Wanaka), Thomas Knowles (Auckland), Ethan Baxter-McAsey (Auckland) have been in Vallnord Arcalis, Andorra representing New Zealand at the FIS Youth races for the Trofeo Borrufa.
Trofeu Borrufa is an international junior ski competition for children in U14 and U16 age categories, which is held annually in Andorra. Each year approximately 30 countries compete in this prestigious racing event. Each participating country can field a team of up to 10 racers. Andorra, as host nation and neighbouring Spain and France are allowed to send two teams. Disciplines include: Slalom (SL), Giant Slalom (GS), Super G (SG) and Alpine combined (AC).
The New Zealand team as a whole finished fifth overall from 38 teams and put together strong individual performances throughout the four days, each posting a top 30 result.
Ben Richards made himself familiar with the podium right from day one when he finished second in the U16 men’s Slalom. Days two and three saw Ben in the top spot, winning both the Giant Slalom and the Super-G. He finished third in the Alpine Combined and, on the final day of competition, finished second in the Super G.
Ben's younger sister Kate found her form on day two in the U16 women’s GS, skiing into fifth place after the first run and then attacking her second run with style to finish in third place.
Blake Hartley was no stranger to the podium either, chalking up third in Slalom, second in Super G and second in Alpine Combined in U14 men’s category.
Italy finished top of the team results table, Spain second, Great Britain third and Belgium fourth.
Full results can be found here
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