Despite leaving his ski pants at home, Scott Kneller, of Australia, clad in track pants, still managed to triumph in yesterday's Winter Games men's ski cross at Cardrona.
Switzerland's Fanny Smith (19) showed why she is ranked third in the world in the event, winning the top spot on the women's podium.
Ski cross is considered one of the most exciting snow sports events, with skiers flying down the course in groups of three and four, jostling for the lead position.
The first two to cross the line in each round move on to the next elimination stage, until just four athletes are left in the final.
Seven nations were represented in the men's field, with 34 riders competing. Kneller was closely followed by fellow Australian Anton Grimus in second, and Switzerland's Kevin Amacker in third.
"My team-mate Anton was breathing down my neck the whole time," Kneller (22) said.
"He's won the last few races so it was good to come out in the lead today. Having him right behind me made me push harder."
Kneller said the event was a great way to start the season and it was encouraging to "have the momentum going in a positive direction".
"The weather just turned it on for us, the course was fantastic and it was good to come over to New Zealand and get a win."
Australians have excelled in the ski and boarder cross events at the Games, which Kneller attributed to the country's "amazing" development programme.
Former top ski racer and alpine ski coach Angus Rose (38) was the top-placed New Zealander in the men's field, taking fourth place, despite it being just his second time competing in a ski cross race.
"The course was fun ... you could go full tilt," Rose said.
While the women's field was small, it featured some heavy hitters, including winner Smith; Katya Crema, ranked 35 in the world, who finished second; and New Zealander Mitchey Greig, ranked 32 in the world, who came in third.
"It's great to be here in New Zealand with the crew I usually compete with on the circuit," Smith said.
"The competition was tough and I'm happy to start my season this way. This is my second time in New Zealand. I was here last year for the Junior World Championships and hope to be back again next year. It's great to get the training under way early and to be able to compete at an international level."
Greig (22), who made a short comeback at the Winter X Games in Aspen after injuring her shoulder last year, left Aspen with another injury and has not competed since.
She said it was a "good feeling" being back on the course and catching up with fellow athletes she had not seen for a while. Her podium placing was an added bonus.
"I'm stoked with my result today," she said.
