U.S. skiers confirmed

Press, 16 June 1979, Page 56

U.S. skiers confirmed

By

TIM DUNBAR

Now that the United States has confirmed an entry of six men for the Europa F.LS. (International Ski Federation) series at Mount Hutt next month the downhill will assuredly be the highlight of the programme. Canada has already announced that it will be sending its accomplished downhill team and all the American male racers coming to the 10-day series also specialise in the event. The Americans confirmed yesterday as definite entries are (with their F.LS. downhill points):— Karl Anderson 8.06, Doug Powell 8.78, Andy Mill 9.23, Mike Famy 15.51, Ted Lockwood 30.83, Jeff O’Neill 34.68.

Mill, a member of the United States A team since 1974, is perhaps the best-

known of the contingent after his high sixth placing in the downhill at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics. However, both Anderson, aged 26, and Powell also have very low start points, and the former finished twenty-seventh — 10 places ahead of Mill —on the 1978-79 World Cup downhill circuit.

Famy, with 35 points, is the best of the team in giant slalom, and he was thirtyfirst in the World Cup downhill. By way of comparison it should be noted that New Zealand’s top downhillers, Stuart Blakely and Julian Morris, both have points in the 50s. As well as contending with the higher-rated Canadians, headed by Ken Read and Steve Podborski (both ranked in the world’s top ten), the Americans will

have to take note of the form of four Australian downhill exponents. Likely skiers from across the Tasman include Dave Griff, a creditable twenty-second in the Olympic downhill, and Robbie Mclntyre.

The Americans are also sending about eight unnamed women, two coaches for each group, and eight service personnel. With skiers like Cindy Nelson, Heidi Preuss and Viki Fleckenstein starring, the United States women’s team came third in the last Nations’ Cup and the presence of these racers is an exciting possibility. The series from July 24 to August 2 begins with the downhill which will probably be raced on July 27 or 28 after competitors spend a few days training on the course. A slalom and giant slalom will then be held.