NEXT year’s Mildura 100 Ski Race, along with the Murray Darling 110 scheduled for last weekend, will not be held this season after recent incidents within the sport.
Ski Racing Australia has put a hold on all competitive ski racing nationally until June 30 next year while a special purpose investigation is undertaken with NSW Maritime.
Multiple ski racing participants have been fatally injured in races or in training this year, leading to further further investigations and safety reviews.
Deaths aren’t unheard of within the high-risk sport, however the safety of all involved remains the top priority for Ski Racing Australia and all clubs.
Mildura Ski Club president Brandan McGlynn said it would continue to work with all racing stakeholders to review safety and processes in the sport.
“While it is disappointing that the ski races will not be held this coming ski-racing season, we want to prioritise the safety of our friends and family who compete every year, and make sure that after a great weekend of racing that they all go home,” he said.
The club was working on alternative plans for next year’s Easter Powersports weekend, of which the Mildura 100 is considered the crown jewel.
The fastest ski race in the world had been back on the water over the past three years after COVID restrictions forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 events.
“We realise the importance of tourism and events in Mildura over the Easter Powersports weekend and the role the Mildura 100 plays,” McGlynn said.
“We do not want to leave the community and visitors disappointed.
“The club’s committee is working hard with our sponsors and Mildura Rural City Council’s events team to get some form of action on the water for the best weekend of the year.”
The Mildura Ski Club prides itself on holding two of the fastest and safest races in Australia, with no major catastrophic incidents having occurred in their histories.
