2016 NZ Season Complete!

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Adam Barwood

Slalom Podium

GS Podium

Slalom Nationals

Racing got underway 1st August with a GS at Cardrona which came around quickly after just one day of gate training due to the lack of snow conditions. I picked up a podium in 2nd place and then it was straight back to Coronet Peak where we were finally able to get some gate training in. The National Championships came around quickly, 9th August, with the GS first. Managed to pick up the gastro bug going around so felt pretty bad for most of the week but was able to place 2nd behind Willis in the GS and pick up the National Title again for the slalom. One more week of training on some pretty good conditions at Coronet Peak and then headed over to Australia for the start of the ANC races at Mt Hotham.

Coberger Academy, NZ Ski Team . Pic Michael Thomas

First men’s races at Hotham were postponed due to the weather but managed to complete all races using up the weather day. I had some good runs but had trouble finding a good head space which didn’t go well overall. Flew back to Queenstown and it was straight into racing again with the final of the ANC GS and slalom races at Coronet Peak. Again I had sections of good racing and managed to take out the AUS/NZ yellow bib for the slalom but found it quite a struggle.

Hotham inspection

Hotham GS

Hotham finish

Hotham start gate

SL course inspection Mt Hotham

ANC GS Coronet Peak

Finish area Rocky Gully

We had a couple of days in Queenstown then headed up to Methven for the final speed races for Nationals and ANC’s. The weather wasn’t the best with our day of training super g cancelled and the following day we squeezed in three super g races. After the super g races, the weather pretty much fell apart so we decided not to race the super combined but headed back to Queenstown which was a good call as the rest of the races were then cancelled.

a-barwood Overall I found it to be a very challenging season with virtually no training to speak of before racing started. Fortunately we have had some excellent training since the races finished with some great conditions both at Rocky Gully and up at the Remarkables.

Remarkables slalom training

Remarkables

One day during the last week of training, we had an early GS session at Remarkables which was followed by an enjoyable session with the Gold Members and children on a paneled slalom course. It was great to catch up with them again to see how they have progressed and watch their enjoyment on snow.

After a week of taking time out it is now full swing back into the next strength and conditioning phase before heading on to the northern hemisphere season. Once again it has been amazing to have the support of so many, thank you one and all!

Winter’s Here

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Adam Barwood

Training at Methven started with a blast of winter weather and some of the coldest temperatures around the area with the likes of -21°C. Lots of snow fell and icy temperatures stayed. After about a month of training back in the gym, we had a bit of a physical camp and testing in Queenstown a few weeks ago and it was good to see my levels increasing. Not quite to the same level as this time last year but I am on track.

The team started with a week of intensive physical training in Methven mid June, led by Ben Griffin where we all made some good gains. Makes such a difference having someone so competent pushing us where needed – thanks Ben! After a week of dryland training and a day off, it was time to check out the snow at Mt Hutt. Conditions were perfect aside from a few rocks – good snow cover and blue bird days. First day up the mountain was a little on the cool side though at -13° C.

Mt Hutt – Nick, Jamie, me, Eliza & Willis

On snow training started with our coach, Nils Coberger taking us for a bit of free skiing and progressing into some stubbie training. The weather and mountain were awesome – many thanks to Mt Hutt for your support, couldn’t have asked for better conditions so early in the season.

Now back in Queenstown for a short block of dryland training again while the school holidays are on and then it will be back to training at Coronet Peak.

Near Tekapo

Not long to go

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Adam Barwood

Spent a week on snow at Mt Hutt focussing on technical training from 7th October to bridge the gap between seasons. We arrived in Methven to a bit of bad weather but all up we got a lot out of the camp.

50cm of new snow fell over two days so on the 10th October we had a pretty neat powder day just for a change. Final day finished off training with a good session of slalom and perfect weather. Also watched a few people try to skim across the pond.

After getting back home it’s been full on back to the gym for the last opportunity to build on my strength and fitness before heading to Colorado for on snow training at Loveland.

Many thanks to the Bruce Grant Youth Trust for once again supporting me.

A Short Break

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Adam Barwood

The New Zealand season is drawing to a close with the final races at Mt Hutt finishing last weekend. It has been a solid season for me starting off well with high physical levels and good back to snow training. Race results were mixed as they often are but I met goals, improved ranking, had some great outcomes and picked up the overall NZ Alpine Champion trophy. Really enjoyed our team environment and mixing with the Aussies.

Snow conditions were pretty varied this year with some fairly warm days and not a lot of snow, to snowing heavily the night before races. My best result this year points wise was in a slalom race at Treble Cone, scoring 17 and I am finishing off the season with 23 points in giant slalom and 24 in slalom which I’m pretty happy with. I also picked up the yellow bib from the ANC races in the super combined and was top placed athlete from Australia/New Zealand overall (also a yellow bib) This gives me guaranteed World Cup starts in the coming season.

ANC Winners 2013 at Mt Hutt

After a few days off, it is now full on back to the gym as there is only a short time before heading over for the start of the northern hemisphere season. We have a 7 day camp of technical training coming up at Mt Hutt, couple more weeks in the gym and then hit the ground running in Denver 1^st November.

Many thanks to my Coach Nils Coberger, and team mates for a great season. Also all my sponsors and supporters, thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Thanks to Browns Ski Shop and Snowvision for the Browns Snowvision Scholarship awarded last week.