The Norwegian Men’s Alpine Ski Team and the Austrian Women’s are training hard at the Red Bull International Race Training Arena at Mt Hutt as the international training season hits its stride.

Race coordinator Richard Murphy says the racers, including 2007 overall world champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway are attracting plenty of local attention.

“Moving at speeds of up to 110km/h these racers are pretty exciting to watch.”

Dubbed The Capital of Speed, the race arena offers training for the Super G and Downhill disciplines as well as Giant Slalom and Slalom training, all taking place early morning as the sun rises.

“It’s great to have these teams back here at Mt Hutt. It brings a real excitement to the mountain we are privileged to play a part in their continued success both at World Cup and also their planning toward Vancouver 2010.”

Along with Aksel, familiar returning faces include Lars Myhre from Norway and Marlies Schild and Elizebeth Goergl from Austria.

The Austrian Men’s Alpine Ski Team arrives on the 20th of August and the successful Swiss Women’s team on the 26th of August.

“Many Thanks to our Sponsor RED BULL who are making the Red Bull International Race Training Arena along with all the athletes the spectacle it is.”

Aksel Lund Svindal rounds a gate at Mt Hutt

Lars Myhre of Norway shows winning style

Elizabeth Goergl of Austria takes on Capital of Speed