Women's Development Coach Matt Lyons reports on southern hemisphere training and competition for leading national team skier Katya Crema.

"AUS National Alpine Development athlete Katya Crema has just completed a pretty successful southern hemisphere winter, and is well-placed for the coming northern hemisphere NorAm, Europa and World Cup season.

"The block-style training sessions conducted throughout the past winter have meant quite a bit of extra travel but have also resulted in some better quality training at a multitude of Australian and New Zealand resorts, interspersed with quality time at home and in the gym.

"This also allowed for access to some great terrain and snow at different mountains, depending on the development needs at the time, and meant a much more effective use of time and space throughout the winter.

"All in all, Katya achieved the following over the past few months:

* Australia/New Zealand Cup GS overall winner
* Australian National Champion and Junior Champion (GS, slalom) - for the third consecutive year
* Sub-40 FIS points in two disciplines (GS and slalom) meeting current qualifying criteria for the Australian National Team
* 71 FIS points for Super G
* six podium finishes
* Large improvement in world rankings for all three disciplines (slalom, GS, and super G)
* Significant technical improvements; great preparation for the upcoming northern hemisphere winter.

"From the program perspective, the recent speed and technical camp at Mt Hutt in September in the south island of NZ was particularly beneficial.

"Training was set up by the New Zealand Ski Team and we were very kindly allowed to piggy-back in on the arrangement. This meant five days of DH/SG training with second tech sessions every day. The weather was perfect, the snow rock-hard and the one-minute length downhill training course - with varying terrain and jumps - was something that was equal to the best available in the world and will stand Katya in good stead for the upcoming competition season.

"She now has a six week physical and rest block before heading to Canada, the US and Europe with fellow team mate, Tomi Crewes, who is recovering extremely well from significant injuries sustained in January this year.
 
"Both girls are looking forward to the upcoming winter and are pumped at the chance to once again represent their country on the world stage.

"Katya will compete predominantly on the NorAm circuit, with some forays into the Europa Cup environment. She is slated to start in a World Cup or two in Germany in January and March, depending on how her season progresses.

"Tomi will be taking it a little slower in her comeback program with a lot of free skiing, and a gradual transition into the competitive environment on the cards."