A record field of 85 competitors turned out for the return of the NZ Snowboarder Banked Slalom today at Treble Cone in New Zealand, to take on the challenging course and tough visibility conditions.

Will Jackways (Wanaka) claimed the men’s title with two consistently fast performances. Just two seconds behind, Nick Walker (Wanaka) gained second place and Joram Makura (Wanaka) finished third.

In the women’s field Olympic snowboarder Juliane Bray (Wanaka) produced the fastest performance, Abby Lockhart (Wanaka) a close second and Stephanie Takarangi (Turangi) took third place. In the vets division (40+) Nick Bourke (Wanaka) was the champion in the men’s field (sixth place overall), and Sam Hudson (Wanaka) first female vet home.

The NZ Snowboarder Banked Slalom took place in the Superpipe of the Saddle Basin. Competitors needed to negotiate the tight steep-banked turns throughout the long course, but gained a good sense of achievement when they crossed the finish line. The mixed visibility conditions throughout the day added to the challenge.

The prize pool includes $2,400 cash, a day’s heliboarding with Harris Mountains HeliSki, a Capita snowboard and bindings as well as heaps of gear from Treble Cone, NZ Snowboarder magazine, Huffer, Nixon, Union, Vonzipper and Snickers.

For further information visit www.treblecone.com