FIS Australia - New Zealand Continental Cup

Mon, Aug  10, 2009 - By FIS

The FIS Australia - New Zealand Cup (ANC) is the only Continental Cup for cross country skiing in the southern hemisphere. There are 10 events in the series; seven in Australian and three in New Zealand, with nine of these giving points towards the overall series. The winner of the series receives all their expenses paid at World Cup events at the end of the year.

Last year Ben Sim and Esther Bottomley won the ANC, but this year the international competition will be tougher. Strong skiers from Japan and Switzerland are contesting many of the men's events, while former Australian KT Calder now skiing for New Zealand will be the one to watch out for in the women's events. After the first round of events last weekend Bottomley and Mark van der Ploeg will be wearing the yellow leader bibs at Falls Creek this weekend.

After this weekend the ANC moves to Perisher Valley and then to New Zealand on consecutive weekends, before returning to Falls Creek for the final event the Kangaroo Hoppet on August 29.

Full standings and schedule of the ANC on the Australian Cross Country Skiing Website.