Skiing: Canadian veteran returns determined to conquer

By JULIE ASH

Roman Torn is back to conquer Queenstown's Coronet Peak.

The 34-year-old was a member of the Canadian team that finished second in last year's inaugural Compaq 50km endurance race at the peak. This year he is back with a new team and is determined to go one better.

"We came up a little short last year, so we are back to win," he said.

The overnight race starts on Monday at 6 pm and finishes on Tuesday at 10 am.

Eight international teams are competing, including two women's team from Australia and the United States.

Also taking part is a team from New Zealand made up of Richard Hanson, Luis Breitfuss and Nigel Gardiner.

Each team has three racers. Two skiers must be on the course at one time and they must finish each lap within three seconds of each other.

The winner is the team that completes the most laps, or records the fastest time.

Germany won the event last year ahead of Canada and Australia.

"The Aussies are strong; they have brought the same team here as last year," said Torn. Torn also finished second in last year's 24-hour endurance event in Aspen.

"Aspen was a tough event; it is a little different to Coronet. Coronet would be a sprint and Aspen a marathon.

"Both distances suit me. It is just a matter of putting everything together. You need to have a good team, good equipment and good support.

"It is challenging but it's a lot of fun. It is an event that allows you to ski downhill as much as you can. It is great for people who like to go as fast as they can."

The bulk of the money raised from the race, a gala dinner and other supporting events will go towards the children's charity Cure Kids, which is dedicated to researching cures for terminal illnesses.

The Queenstown Alpine ski team will also receive a donation.

The winning team will also receive the Janey Blair Trophy in memory of Blair, New Zealand's fastest speed skier, who died in a helicopter crash in the Southern Alps last year.