Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – This season’s New Zealand leg of the Australia New Zealand Cup is now underway. Seven Vancouver Olympians were amongst the competitors in the men’s field in the 15Km classic technique massed start ski race Friday at Snow Farm near Wanaka.nFor the first time ever in New Zealand, the Canadian team faced off against the Americans, with a strong squad of New Zealanders and Australians hoping to challenge.

Kris Freeman, the top endurance skier for the American team, managed to split the Canadians but was just six seconds behind winner Devon Kershaw of Canada, who completed the course in a whisker over 40 minutes.

Third place went to Ivan Babikov, who found success last year at the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games, and Canadian Alex Harvey placed fourth.

The first six skiers were within a minute of the winner, which gives some idea of the quality of the field.

The first Australasian home was Callum Watson (AUS) with Nils Koons (NZ) less than a second behind him and just ahead of his Olympian brother Ben, who finished ninth and 13 seconds back.

The women’s race was completed in just over 30 minutes by the winner Elizabeth Stephen from the USA, with her compatriot Morgan Arritola just under half a second slower. Chisa Obayashi of Japan was a very strong third with the Australian Olympian, Esther Bottomely, landing in fourth place.

Sarah Murphy, New Zealand’s Olympic Biathlete, who is using ski competitions to sharpen her competitiveness, placed a respectable seventh.

The sprint races will be held today. The American team will unleash their top sprinter, Andy Newell, who holds a top ten world ranking. Sunday’s schedule features the freestyle races.