By David di Somma
Some of the world's best snowboarders have been training in Wanaka this week, in the lead up to the world cup season in Europe, and the next winter Olympics.
The Cardrona resort has also had a chance to test drive its facilities before next year's Winter Games.
Today's boarder cross at Cardrona had ‘Continental Cup’ status, it's a lower tiered event compared to the world cup event that will be held here as part of the Winter Games next year.
The event coincides with a training camp at the Cardrona resort which has featured some of the best boarder-cross exponents, like American Nate Holland.
At the last two winter Olympics, he finished 14th and fourth, and he wants to do better in Russia in 2014.
“I'm motivated to get a medal there - so all focus is on that medal and it starts here,” says Holland, who will return to New Zealand next year for the Winter Games.
The games will also include Australian Alex Pullin who won the world championship last year in La Molina, Spain.
“We’ve got a phenomenal track here - we are having a lot of fun and it's great that it goes near the lift so there's easy access for us and the spectators,” says Pullin.
Both Holland and Pullin sat out today's action, as they focus on the opening of the World Cup in Austria in December.
And with the guns on the sideline, today's winner was another American Hagen Kearney.
“The racing was a little crazy - the course held up well but it was a fun day,” says Kearney.
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