Piera Hudson has successfully defended her yellow bib at the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup Slalom Series. 

The skier, who is originally from Hawkes Bay and trains in Wānaka, came out on top as the fastest Kiwi or Australian athlete in the Slalom event across the two-day series held over the August 22 and 23.

“It’s great to win it and to defend my title, it has been a few years since we have been able to hold these races due to Covid-19, so it’s nice to have them back,” Piera said.

This achievement means Piera has qualified herself a personal start position on the World Cup slalom circuit for this coming northern hemisphere season.   

“For me going into the northern hemisphere season it means I have secured my own spot on the World Cup tour, I can start in bib 31 at Nor-Ams and Europa Cups and it also helps with my budget as I get free accommodation at certain races,” she said. 

The FIS ANC series will continue on Saturday (August 27)with two Super G races, followed by two Giant Slalom races on Sunday and Monday (August 28 and 29) as the opening events of the 2022 Winter Games NZ.  

PHOTO: Snow Sports NZ