8:33 AM Wed 11 Nov 2009 GMT
Queensland has won the right to host the 2011 World Ski Racing championships with racing scheduled for the Brisbane waterside suburbs of Clontarf and Redcliffe.
The championships have been set down for May 18-28, 2011.
Don Gulley, president of Ski Racing Queensland (SRQ), claims winning the rights to host the titles will 'put Queensland ski racing on the map.'
'The venues we have chosen are superb, with ample room and no hindrances on the courses and this probably played a major role in helping us win the rights,' he said.
'A management committee has already been formed by Ski Racing Australia (SRA) with representatives from each state to aid in staging a championship to remember.
'We will all need to deliver the goods and I believe SRQ has proven its capability of staging first class events following the successful Nationals held recently at Grafton,' he added.
SRQ vice-president Mick Kelly, a member (observer) in the Australian team which contested the '09 World titles in Belgium, said the Moreton Bay courses chosen offered a great mix of fast sections and rough sections.
'This certainly provides SRQ with the opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world; we have a capable and energetic young team ready and raring to go,' he added.
Don Gulley admitted the choice of venue could be advantageous to Australia's chances.
'Its home ground territory for us, so yes, we expect it will suit the chosen Aussie team,' he said.
Selection trials will also be staged in Queensland on dates to be announced.
Hopefully, the 'home ground' advantage will enable Australia to regain its #1 position in Formula 1 after the Americans claimed gold in Belgium.
In Formula 2 it was only bronze for Australia, behind the USA and Great Britain, but at the Junior level it was Australia all the way.
Both our reigning World champions, Wayne Mawer (Formula 1) and Jack Houston (Junior Boys) are certain to defend their titles.
The World Ski Racing championships were last staged in Australia in 1997 (Darwin).
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Jack Houston, behind father Greg's 'Stinga' steams into his second successive Junior Boys victory in Belgium. - Ski Race titles Ski Racing Australia
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by Bob Wonders
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Mawson, TAS
