Category: World Rookie Tour

You know winter’s officially arrived when The BRITS rocks up to premiere freestyle resort, Laax, Switzerland, for Europe’s ultimate winter festival. Confirmed for the week of March 29th – 5th April, the 2008 event is back to celebrate its 18th birthday in style and is set to be the biggest and best yet.

Combining six days of World-class snowboard and freeski action and a heavy après policy, throwing down world renowned live bands and talented tunesmiths all day, everyday, The BRITS 2008 is guaranteed to be an amazing winter week and one that simply cannot be missed.

A staple in the winter snowsports calendar, The BRITS is a true celebration of everything that is great about UK snowboarding and freeskiing – uniting kids, rookies, pros and Olympians to compete in the SNO!zone Halfpipe, Trespass Skiercross / Snowboardcross, Quiksilver Big Air and Animal Slopestyle disciplines on Laax’s perfectly groomed snowpark, home of the famous super pipe and European Open Slopestyle course. The BRITS 2008, a prestigious 3-star TTR event, is also set to attract more great British talent than ever before – including Jenny Jones, Dan Wakeham, Dom Harrington, Mike Wakefield and Paddy Graham, to name just a few, and promises to deliver a display of the most progressive snowboarding and freeskiing talent the UK has to offer.

Whether in resort or on the mountain, all holiday makers, residents and competitors alike, with an exclusive BRITS 2008 Festival band wrapped securely round their wrist, will be treated to six days of incredible live Rock and Hip Hop acts from across the globe. Previous guests to have graced The BRITS include the likes of the Scratch Perverts, Stanton Warriors, DJ Yoda, The Cuban Brothers, Ugly Duckling, Dub Pistols and many more.

A new and exciting addition to the BRITS 2008, bringing the week long festivities to an unforgettable close, will be the ‘Red Bull Home Run’. Open to all who dare, it’s a no holds barred race from the top of the mountain right down to the Crap Bar’s 24 tonne granite bar, which will serve as the official finishing line, where ice cold Red Bull will be awaiting everyone’s arrival. The day will then culminate with Red Bull hosting a big shindig in the Rider’s Palace Club with a headline act to be announced shortly. Watch this space.

So, after a hard day of checking out some world-class freestyle action and tearing yourself some new lines you can then jump shoulder-to-shoulder with the cream of the music and UK Snowboard, Freeski scene in one of Laax’s stylish venues including the ‘Riders Palace’, the famous ‘Crap Bar’, the much-loved ‘Casa Veglia’ and due to increased demand we’re set to involve one of Flim’s fine party venues. Be sure to keep your beady eyes on the schedule for confirmed acts as it unfolds www.brits08.com.

To help make it even more affordable and easier to get from your sofa to the slopes for the BRITS 2008, the organisers have teamed up with Laax to offer some amazing package deals and exclusive rates. Packages start from as little as £179pp, which includes 7 nights Accommodation, 6 days lift pass, event bag and most importantly the festival wrist band, which will get you free access to all of The BRITS club venues along with a bevy of discounts in a number of Laax’s fine drinking and eating establishments. So, what are you waiting for, get involved at www.brits08.com, to book a package and find out further information about flights and transfers.

The BRITS 2008 would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Salomon, Ride, K2 and Faction Ski’s. Official retail partners TSA and Ellis Brigham. Media partners Whitelines, Dark Summer, Extreme.com, Snowboardclub.co.uk and Skiclub.co.uk.

An hundred of rookies from 12 countries, including some of the most talented european youngester, are next to arrive in Livigno for the Protest World Rookie Fest, 3Star TTR slope style only for youngsters. In the past edition it was the largest dedicated junior event in Europe with an incredible level of riding and everybody is waiting for 2008 edition. Mottolino Snowpark crew confirmation the pipe and announce new secrete obstacles in the slope style!

Every photographer coming in Livigno is welcomed to join the Snowpark.it Photo Contest: best action and life style photos will be awarded with a 500€ prize-money and in addiction some materials.

Few days ago the Nokia Air&Style organizers announce for the third year to offer a ticket to the WSF World Rookie Champion 2008, which will be nominated after the final event in Austria, next april. In fact, after Livigno, other 3Star World Rookie Fest will be hosted in Czech Republic (Neklid, 14-17 february) and Austria (Iscghl, 16-20 april) while a buch of 1 and 2 star rookie event are already announced in the WSF home page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org.

Who will be the next World Rookie Champion at the Air&Style?

All these events realize a world rookie tour based on a dedicated ranking with the same TTR point system. World Rookie Tour and World Rookie Rank are “work in progress” concept and will be presented next week in Livigno, to be tested during the season meanwhile other meeting will be fixed to start a dialogue with national snowboard associations, TTR, organizers, media, coach and industries about the guidelines of this news groundbraking concept for the snowboard scene.

Prizes in Livigno: 1 ticket to Waengle Taengle in Austria (5Star TTR), 10 tickets to O2 World Rookie Fest in Czeck (3Star TTR), Avalanche Tranceivers from Pieps, 1 ticket for the Roxy Pinky Jam in Italy (2Star TTR) and a check out on Tacky International Network.

From friday 18th janaury to tuesday 22st january the official web casting for Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno with daily reports, pictures and video on:

– Methodmag.com – english language
– Snowpark.it – italian language
– Tacky.no, Tacky.se, Tacky.dk, Tacky.nl, Tacky.be – norwegian, swedish, dutch, france language

Official website: www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
Official Rookie Community: www.myspace.com/worldrookiefest
Infos, inscriptions and media accreditation
Marco Sampaoli, +39.340.3285569, rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org

Sponsor for Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno: Protest, Ride, Snowpark.it, Livigno, Mottolino, Red Bull, Regione Lombardia, Neuro, On Board, Entry, Rock Sound, Method.tv, Tacky

Protest World Rookie Fest rider list at 10 january 2008

NAME- SURNAME- YEAR-NATIONALITY
PATRICK DAVIS-MEEHAN 1990 AUSTRALIA
MICHAELA DAVIS-MEEHAN 1992 AUSTRALIA
DAN PAULICEK 1993 CZECH
DUSAN KRIZ 1995 CZECH
KAROLINA DVORAKOVA 1990 F CZECH
SARKA PANCOCHOVA 1990 F CZECH
NIKI KORPELA 1991 FINLAND
NIELS REGNIER 1994 FRANCE
MATHIAS SCHOWING 1992 FRANCE
SIDNEY MOPEZAT 1992FRANCE
ARTHUR NEY 1996 FRANCE
CHLOE ROBICHON 1991FRANCE
ALICIA BONNAUD 1993 F FRANCE
EMMA BERNARD 1994 F FRANCE
VICTOR HABERMACHER 96 FRANCE
TEO JEDREZJZYK 1996 FRANCE
VICTOR DAVIET 1990 FRANCE
FELIX CARLIER 1992 FRANCE
ANTHONY SIMERAY 1990 FRANCE
MAXIME BERARD 1990 FRANCE
MATHIAS MONIN 1991 FRANCE
BAPTISTE MAGNANI 1991 FRANCE
ALEXIS PUYGRENIER 1991 FRANCE
TOM CUNY 1992 FRANCE
CECILE PARISOT 1990 F FRANCE
LOU BOUMAZA 1990 FRANCE
LOU CHABELARD 1994 FRANCE
LUCILLE LE FEVRE 1993 F FRANCE
JESSE AUGUSTINUS 1995 HOLLAND
BRITTE VAN DER POW 1990 F HOLLAND
MIKE KLUIVERS 1991 HOLLAND
ROCCO VAN STRATEN 1991 HOLLAND
DIMI DE JONG 1994 HOLLAND
GIORGIO CIANCALEONI 1991 ITALIA
FRANCESCO BRUTTO 1992 ITALIA
MARCO GRIGIS 1994 ITALIA
MANUEL PIETROPOLI 1990 ITALIA
RUGGERO NACCARI 1990 ITALIA
BEN STEWART 1992 NEW ZEALAND
KARI OPSAL MAELAND 1991 F NORWAY
SILJE NORENDAHL NORWAY
SIMEN NERAKER NORWAY
GJERMUND BRAATHEN NORWAY
SONDRE TILER NORWAY
EVEN SOLBRAA NORWAY
ALEKSANDER OESTRENG NORWAY
INGAR VEBJOERNESEN NORWAY
SIMON FOSSHEIM NORWAY
FREDRIK PERRY NORWAY
FREDRIK SCUDERI NORWAY
LEN JOERGENSEN NORWAY
EMIL ANDRE ULSLETTEN 1993 NORWAY
JOHANNES SKOTTHEIN 1992 SWEDEN
ZEBASTIAN LANDMARK 1991 SWEDEN
SVEN THORGREN 1995 SWEDEN
BENJAMIN LESTAGE-KONING SWEDEN
JOHANSSON MALIN 1990 SWEDEN
ANTON BILARE 1991 SWEDEN
KEVIN BACKSTROM, 92 SWEDEN
JAKOB EDMAN 1990 SWEDEN
PHILIP LANDMARK92 SWEDEN
GIULIA BORSIA 90 F SWITZERLAND
LARS BACHMANN 92 SWITZERLAND
JULIAN FURSINGER 90 SWITZERLAND
DOMINIK BETSCHART 1990 SWITZERLAND
STEPHAN REICHMUT 1992 SWITZERLAND
JOEL MEIER 1991 SWITZERLAND
AUSTRIA ROOKIE TEAM (6 riders)
BELGIUM ROOKIE TEAM (6 riders)
ITALY – BARDONECCHIA ROOKIE TEAM (8 riders)

Alicia Bonnaud resulted the best girl in Livigno 2007

_{Dowload Press Release in Italian
Dowload Press Release in English
Dowload Press Release in German}

N.ASA, New Austrian Snowboard Association, announce the 2008 Cup which include 12 official events at 2star level and the final event 3Star Austrian Masters. Follow all informations.

From 29th of February to 2nd of March the Austrian Masters 2008 are taking place in the k-park in Kühtai and in the Nordpark/Innsbruck.

As the finals of the Austria Cup Tour (12 tour stops, slopestyle), the Austrian Masters will define the Master 2008 in the discipline of freestyle snowboarding.

On Friday 29th of March the shredders will fight for the slopestyle title in the k-park in Kühtai and on the 1st of March the Austrian Halfpipe Master 08 will be detected. The Halfpipe event is a contest opened to everyone.

The Austrian Master 07 slopestyle Patrik Huber will have to strongly defend his title as a number of rookies like Simon Pircher, Marvin Salmina or Roland Scharmer are ready for the battle. For the incumbent Austrian Halfpipe Master Mone Monsberger it will be hard to defend his title as he is very occupied editing Tell-Ä-Vision productions and therefore does not get the chance to train his halfpipe skills.

The Austrian Masters 08 are rated as a TTR 3(three) star event and besides the 10.000 Euro prize money, there are valuable TTR points to be collected.

At the Kaunertal Opening the following ladies qualified for the Austrian Masters 08: Agnieszka Rusin, Silke Unseld, Silvi Schlereth, Pia Meusburger and Katharina Höfer. The qualified men are: Elias Elhardt, Ville Uotilla, Marc Swoboda, Patrik Huber und Benjamin Wetscher.

The winner of the Austrian Masters 08 receives additionally to the title a wildcard for the Ästhetiker Jam – Wängl Tängl 08.

More info’s at www.powdern.com

Snowsport GB, the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding in Great Britain, are extremely excited to announce The British Snowboard Teams for the 2007-2008 season.

31 elite UK athletes make up the five British Snowboard Teams, the British World Cup Snowboardcross Team, British World Cup Halfpipe Team, British Freestyle Team, British Snowboardcross Team and British Junior Snowboard Squad, making it the strongest and most promising line-up to date!

BRITISH WORLD CUP SNOWBOARDCROSS TEAM (SBX)
Programme: FIS World Cups, King of the Hill, X Games, British Championships
Duration: Full Time
Winter Base: Abondace (Porte du Soliel), France
Coach: Craig Smith
Athletes:
Zoe Gillings, Isle of Mann (22)
James Foster, Gloucestershire (26)
Ivy Taylor, Cheshire (22)

BRITISH WORLD CUP HALFPIPE TEAM (HP)
Programme: FIS World Cups, Grand Prix (US), European Open, British Championships
Duration: Full Time
Winter Base: Abondace (Porte du Soliel), France
Coach: Leo Addington
Athletes:
Dan Wakeham, Plymouth (26)
Ben Kilner, Banchory (19)
Sam Cullum, Bracknell (19)
Angus Leith, Aviemore (19)
Lesley McKenna, Aviemore (33)

BRITISH FREESTYLE TEAM (SS, HP, BA)
Programme: FIS Europa Cups, European Open, TTR World Tour, British Championships
Duration: Predominantly Winter (plus Summer Training)
Winter Base: Chatel (Porte du Soliel), France
Coach: Hamish McKnight
Athletes:
Dom Harington, Leeds (23)
Jack Shackelton, Newbury (19)
Kate Foster, Gloucestershire (23)
Laura Berry, Milton Keynes (19)
Matthew (Billy) Neilson, Milton Keynes (17)
Laura Hill, Leeds (23) (TBC)

BRITISH SNOWBOARDCROSS TEAM (SBX)
Programme: FIS Europa Cups, British Championships
Duration: Predominantly Winter (plus Summer Training)
Winter Base: Abondace (Porte du Soliel), France
Coach: Leah Sill
Athletes:
Vickie Pullin, Gloucestershire (22)
Tamsin Evans, Leicestershire (27)
Tim McGregor, Glasgow (21)
Matthew (Matt) Higgin, Middlesex (29)
Michael (Mick) Arrowsmith, Weymouth (36)

BRITISH JUNIOR SNOWBOARD SQUAD (SBX, HP, BA, SS)
British Junior Team: selected from the squad for some events
Programme: European Open, Junior World Championships, World Rookie Fest, British Championships
Duration: 7 Trips (including training camps)
Winter Base: Various Locations
Coach: Sonia Shaw
Elite Athletes (Identified for inclusion in the senior team activities):
James Barrow, Switzerland, (15)
Lee Tarran, Inverness, (15)
Athletes:
Oliver (Ollie) Jackson, Kent, (15)
Dean Horsfield, Accrington (15)
James Smith, East Riding, Yorkshire (14)
Luke Tomlinson, Sheffield (14)
Samuel Turnbull, North Yorkshire (16)
Will Smith, Bradford (13)
Lewis Courtier-Jones, Coventry (12)
Henry Shackelton, Newbury (13)
Aimee Fuller, Northern Ireland (16) (trial)
Mark Raper, Doncaster (15) (trial)

All teams have been busy with pre season training and are keen to showcase their talents and secure results in this seasons forthcoming competitions. The next competition on the British World Cup Snowboardcross Team calendar will be the “King of the Hill” competition in Valdez, Alaska on the 12th December 2007. The British World Cup Halfpipe and Freestlye Teams are currently in Breckenridge, Colorado in preparation for the Chevrolet U.S Snowboarding Grand Prix Halfpipe Competition from 14th – 15th December 2007.

We will be sending out regular team updates via the new “Across the Board” newsletter, subscribe for free at www.snowsportgb.com or just browse the team members profiles.

To understand the support the above teams have during the season, we’ve listed the key people involved who help the athletes achieve success in all areas.

SNOWSPORT GB – SNOWBOARD COMMITTEE
Chairman & Director: John O’Grady
Snowsport GB CEO: Mark Simmers
Associate Director: Stuart Brass
Associate Director: Colin Holden

CENTRAL SUPPORT
Snowsport GB Snowboard Coordinator: Maggie Lawrie
Core PR: Joanne Brown (Soul Sports)
Mainstream PR: Alison Robb (Weber Shandwick)
Head Coach: Craig Smith
Physio: Laura Jeffrey
Wax Tech: Dan Brier
Photographer: Mike Weyerhaeuser
Junior Squad Coordinator: Susan Murrin (Snowsport Scotland)

The British Snowboard Team would like to thank the following for there invaluable support: Sponsors: Zoom Airlines – www.flyzoom.com, Halliwells – www.halliwell-landau.co.uk, FOGG – www.fogginsure.co.uk and Junior Squad sponsors, TSA – www.snowboardasylum.com and SNO!zone – www.snozone.co.uk
Funding organisations: UK Sport – www.uksport.gov.uk, TASS – www.tass.gov.uk, Sport Scotland – www.sportscotland.org.uk, BOA – www.boa.org.uk/wintergames.aspx,

It’s confirmed: Nokia Air&Style will offer a ticket to the Rookie Session of 2008 edition in Munich for the next WSF World Rookie Champion. For the third year the most famous European event support the World Rookie Fests offering the most wished golden ticket.

The ticket for the Nokia Air&Style Rookie Session 2008 in Munich will be assigned to the World Rookie Champion 2008 who will be nominated at our final 3Star event “Volkl World Rookie Fest” in Ischgl, Austria. All information about admission criteria at this event will be announced soon mean while sign up for the next big rookie event: the Protest World Rookie Fest, from 18 to 22 january in Livigno, which will be follow by anothe stop in Czech Republic (in Neklid, 14-17 february). Every World Rookie Fest value as a 3Star TTR event.

During WRF in Livigno, during coach meeting and general presentations, the World Rookie Fest organizing committee will present the projects of the World Rookie Tour and World Rookie Ranks, starting a dialogue with National Snowboard Association, team managers and coaches, industries and event organizers about the guidlines of this new groundbraking concept for the snowboard scene.

Infact The World Rookie Ranking and World Rookie Tour are ‘work in progress’ concepts: in development, organizers will to schedule other meetings and presentations designed to develop an official calendar, criteria and general rules for a World Rookie Tour and World Rookie Ranking in the near future. More information shortly.

Who will be the next World Rookie Champion at the Air&Style?

Here are all info for join the upcoming 3Star Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno

The largest dedicated junior event in Europe, Protest World Rookie Fest, is back! Program and inscription info for the 3Star Protest World Rookie Fest at the Mottolino snowpark in Livigno are now avaible. Sign the date and the palce: from 18 to 22 january, Livigno, Italy, Mottolino snowpark. Follow all details in english, german and italian language.

Protest World Rookie Fest 2008
Slope Style TTR 3Star, 18-22 January 2008, Livigno, Italy at Mottolino snowpark.

The largest dedicated junior event in Europe, Protest World Rookie Fest, is back! For the third year at the Mottolino snowpark in Livigno, more than 100 athletes from 15 nations are waited and they will compete and have fun at this 3Star TTR event reserved to girls and boys born from Januar 1st 1990 and up. Some of the greatest rookie from all over the world will take part in order to show the level of the youngsters! All the participants will get free gadgets of the event, Protest World Rookie Fest T-shirts, magazines, DVDs and extra energy from Red Bull!

Protest World Rookie Fest is more than a compertition!
The program of Livigno Protest World Rookie Fest includes an international slope style contest, a “Pipe Traffic Jam”, avalanche and rescue clinics from Pieps, great buffets, meetings with photographers and international team managers, a photo contest and big final party. In each WRF you will find sport, competition, fun, social and constitutive activities…and lots of new friends from allover the world. Snowboard progression from rookie to pro level. For reports, rankings, photos and videos of the Livigno WRF 2007 you can check www.worldsnowboardfederation.org.

Prizes
– A ticket to the TTR 5Star Aesthetiker Jam Waengle Taengl at Mayrhofen, Austria, the event with the best slope style in the TTR World Tour and 50.000

The Air&Style 2007 in Munich showcase a great level of riding. Before the pro contest a Rookie Challange took place showing the level of the most talented youngsters in the snowboard scene.

PEARCE WINS AIR & STYLE. GREAT SHOWCASE FROM ROOKIES

Pro riders and rookies at Air&Style 2007

Kevin Pearce (USA) nailed a cab 1260 to win his first Nokia Air & Style at the Olympic Stadium in Munich Germany on Saturday night (December 1). Over 28,000 spectators crammed the arena to watch 16 of the globe’s best snowboarders do their thing at the 15th edition of the world famous event, which also featured a rookie snowboarding contest and a stunning freestyle snowmobile competition (FSX). Some of the rookies at the event come up from WSF competition in last seasons: Manuel Pietropoli (winner of the World Rookie Fest 2005), Christian Haller (World Rookie Champion 2006) and Sergey Lapuski (World Rookie Champion 2007).

Crow and structure at Air&Style 2007

In the pro contest, Pearce’s 12’ was big enough to beat last year’s rookie winner Mikkel Bang (NOR) into second with Norwegian Horgmo in third, and local favourite David Benedek, fourth. Horgmo so nearly made a frontside 1080 on his last jump but can be satisfied with being unofficial king of the jibbers, knocking out neat 50/50s over the Braun butter-box.

Rookie during Crossover Session

Manuel Pietropoli during Trainings

Christian Haller

Seventeen-year-old Bang caused a major upset by beating defending champion and former Winter X-Games winner, Travis Rice (USA), in the first round. He executed a super-stylish backside 1080 to move into the second round where he saw off Eero Ettala (FIN). The super final, with Pearce, Bang, Horgmo and Benedek battling it out for the main ’Ring of Glory’ prize, was the highlight of the night. Benedek barely landed a jump cleanly all night, but when he did, his scores were massive. On his final effort, he just missed out on making a 1260, to the desperate roar of the crowd.

Sergey Lapuski

Manuel Pietropoli

Also the Rookie challange express an high level of riding. The winner was Tim Humphreys (USA) whose cab 1080 with a nose grab beat Austrian Werner Stock (AUT) and Mason Aguirre (USA). Sergey Lapuski, who won the ticket to Air&Style Rookie Challange at last World Rookie Fest finals in Kuthai, Austria, got 9th position.

Sergey Lapuski exhibits theAir&Style bib

WSF and World Rookie Fest thanks the Nokia Air&Style and TTR to push the youngsters to the next level. Watch videos and highlights from the Nokia Air and Style at www.freecaster.tv and www.air-style.com and www.method.tv and www.air-style.com.

Pictures by Marco Sampaoli and RaggiEleonora.com

Italy announce a national rookie tour of 3 slope style contest at 1star level to select the best riders for the following 3Stars World Rookie Fest in Livigno (ITA), Neklid (Czech Rep) and Ischgl (Austria). The kick off for italian rookies is fixed for 8.9 december in Schnastal Glacier.

Protest is title sponsor of the Italian Rookie Tour: 3 snowboard competitions to let the best young talents from Italy meet, compete, have fun and win tickets for the european editions of the World Rookie Fests (Livigno.Italia, Neklid.Czec Republic, Ischgl.Austria). All the events will assign points as 1star for TTR World Ranks and for WSF World Rookie Ranks and the end assign a Protest sponsorship for the best rider and the title of Italian Rookie Champion.

Protest Italian Rokie Tour
8-9 december.Val Senales.Slope Style
9-10 febbruary.Polsa di Brentonico.Slope Style
8-9 march.Obereggen.Half Pipe&Slope Style

For any information contact marco@snow-park.it

In october the Norwegian SnowboardAwards 2007 took place in Oslo, Norway. The Award Show is a yearly happening for everyone in the big snowboard family in Norway. They are all there: the old guys from back in the day, the up and coming, the pro’s, the National Team, and snowboard clubs and their members from all over the country.

Everybody come togheter to celebrate themselves and each other, and especially those who performed better than everyone else last season. The main happening is the Award Show, with the celebratory party following it a close second. 11 prestigious awards were handed out. Among them were Best Rider, Best Volunteer Worker, Best Photo, and Best Film.

Helen Olafsen elected best rider of the year

Andreas Ygre Wiig won the award for Best Male Rider – not surprisingly considering his 2 gold medals in X-Games last season. The Best Female Rider was awarded Helene Olafsen, the young girl who kicks ass in Boarder Cross worldwide. Stand Out of the Year was Torstein Horgmo. Horgmo did the impossible last winter: he broke his back, he won a number of prestigious competitions, he got film parts and several magazine covers – A true Stand Out!

After all the winners were presented the whole crowd gathered on the dance floor to see the “(in)famous” band The Apache Dænsers. The band’s bizarre live show can not be explained in words, it has to be experienced first-hand. Amazingly, the lead singer in the band doubles as snowboard teacher at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport.

The producer of Up in the Sky, best film of the year

After the Award Show, everyone dived into a big night of celebration.

The winners were:
Rider of the Year: Andreas Ygre Wiig
Rider of the Year: Helene Olafsen
Stand Out of the Year: Torstein Horgmo
Rookie of the Year (male): Stian Sivertzen
Rookie of the Year (female): Silje Norendal
Best Photo: Espen Lystad
Best Film: Up in the Sky
Snowboard Club of the Year: Kongsberg IF, Snowboard
Best Volunteer: Theodor Olsen
Price of Honor: Jørn Torjussen og Steinar Arvesen

Torstein Horgmo as Stand Out of the Year

Photo by Hans Petter Hval

With exactly one month to go before Munich hosts the infamous inner city event, SIX(6)STAR Nokia Air&Style, organisers release one of the hottest riders’ list of the season – complete with a rookie lineup most events would boast as headline stars.

Nokia Air&Style 2006 title defender, the indomitable, TTR 06/07 World Nr 3, Travis Rice (USA), set an impressive legacy last year through his sensational double back-flip backside 180 – on a broken board – in undoubtedly the best contest of the Tour in 06/07. Hotly snapping at Rice’s heels is TTR 05/06 World Nr 2, Risto Mattila (FIN) and TTR 06/07 World Nr 2, Antti Autti (FIN) who with second and third finishes respectively will stand them in good stead for a top spot – as with five other contenders from the Air&Style’s Top 10 Finalists, including local hero David Benedek (GER) and rookie winner Mikkel Bang (NOR). All aim to use their historical tactical knowledge to best affect against the startling and sublime Kevin Pearce (USA) and Danny Davis (USA), season-ending TTR World Nr 4 & 5 title-holders, respectively.

Vying to win the Rookie round for a place in next year’s Nokia Air&Style 08 is an incredible array of upcoming and title-holding young snowboard talent. Current TTR World Nr 1 & 2 holders in the Swatch TTR Rankings, Mason Aguirre (USA) and Louie Vito (USA), fresh from their Top Ten finishes at TTR Tour stops in the Southern Hemisphere leg of the Tour, join the likes of reigning Russian, TTR 06/07 World Nr 6, Iouri Podladtchikov (RUS) in a competition set to raise standards for rookie contests everywhere.

Set your calendar for December 01, 2007 to watch SIX(6)STAR Nokia Air&Style 07 live from Munich via cybercast on www.air-style.com

WSF announces the 2008 World Rookie Fest: three 3 international events are going to be held in Europe to promote snowboarding and to give some Europe’s most talented young rider, outside the “pro system”, a chance to compete and win. Every World Rookie Fest (WRF) is reserved for riders born on january 1st 1990 and up, consists of a TTR 3Star Slope Style event and a bunch of other activities.

World Rookie Fests 2008 _ European Dates
World Rookie Fest. Livigno, Italy. January 18-22 2008. Slope Style & Half Pipe
02 World Rookie Fest. Neklid, Czech Republic. Febbruary 14-17 2008. Slope Style
Volkl World Rookie Fest Finals. Ischgl, Austria. April 16-20 2008. Slope Style

Inscription, Program and General Info
Every WRF will include in the program:
– TTR 3Star Slope Style competition, freestyle sessions (to be determined as one of the following: half pipe, rail jam etc.)
– Avalanche and rescue clinics by Pieps,
– Photo and video session
– Of course, parties.

The rider entry fee is fixed at 70€ per event (which includs inscription, lift ticket and gifts). Bib fees are 30€. Both entry fee and bib fee, are to be payed in cash at the race office. Discounted accomodations, local contacts, and a complete program with all the details will be avaible with the official press release before every WRF.

For info, inscription, media request
rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org
Official Home Page: www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
Official Rookie Community: www.myspace.com/worldrookiefest

Prizes
Every WRF will assign:
– Tickets to the Swatch TTR top events
– 10 free invitations at the following WRF (i.e. the best 5 rookies, 3 groms, 2 girls in Livigno will win free tickets to enter the Czech WRF)
– Avalanche transceivers from Pieps and equipment from other sponsors
– Each winner of a WRF a Tacky interview
– The World Rookie Champion a Fresh Meat on MethodMag and a golden ticket to a TTR top event to be annouced (in the last two seasons it was the Rookie Session at Air&Style)

Every rookie and national rookie team is welcomed to join www.myspace.com/worldrookiefest: the best myspaces (according to the decision of a seleceted jury) will win limited edition World Rookie Fest snowboards.

The World Rookie Champion 07 Sergey Lapuski and Stian Aanestad

The WSF World Rookie Tour 2008
In addition to the 3Stars World Rookie Fests, other Rookie Events at 1Star and 2Star level in Europe, Asia and North America are still to be determinated. While in Southern Emisphere the Australian Junior Series has already completed. All WSF rookie events will be part of the WSF World Rookie Tour 2008. All of these competitions will the ensure results are valid for the TTR ranking while WSF is working on a special World Rookie Rank which will nominate the World Rookie Champion at the end of the last event in Ischgl (AUT), on april 19th 2008. Official calendar, criteria and general rules for the World Rookie Tour and World Rookie Rank will be announced soon. For more info about the rookie tour or to include your event in the tour contact:

Gunnar Tveit (WSF President) gutveit@online.no
Marco Sampaoli (WSF Board of Director) marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org

Stian Aanestad won WRF Livigno 2007

Note for Event Organizers
Each WSF member nation is invited to join the WSF World Rookie Tour and should insert its 1 and 2Star rookie events in the WSF event calendar. The more events that take place the better the rookie tour will be.

What is necessary to organize a WSF World Rookie Tour competition?
– send the application for the event and pay the event fee (1Star competition fee is 175€, a 2Star fee is 450€.)
– Only athlete members of the WSF national association network can partecipate in the WRT
– It is necessary to have an official jury
– The committee, which organizes the event, has to be a regular club from a WSF member snowboard association.
– WSF and “World Rookie Tour” logos have to be in all graphics.
– WSF also suggests to include the Swatch TTR logo in all comunication.

Which benefits does a WSF World Rookie Tour event get?
– Promotion from the national snowboard association (web site, newsletters etc.).
– International promotion by WSF (web site, international newsletter).
– Ranking will be inserted in the WSF World Rookie Rank.
– Publication of the video on the WSF site www.worldsnowboardfederation.org.
– The event can have equipment prizes vs prize money.
– Through the national competitions a national Rookie Rank will be created, which will award the freestyle National Rookie Champion title.

Jan Scherrer compete at all WRF07 and today is in the Swatch Team

For every information about the WSF rookie projects contact

Gunnar Tveit
(WSF President)
gutveit@online.no
+47.90846969

Marco Sampaoli
(WSF Board of Directors)
marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
+39.340.3285569

New season already started! The first results from Australia are already uploaded into the TTR ranking list 07/08 and WSF is now waiting for last applications for 1 Star and 2 Star events from National Snowboard Associations to complete the official calendar.

Stian Aanestad at Livigno World Rookie Fest 2007 (by Eleonora Raggi)

WSF well represented on the TTR ranking
Compared to the first season of the ranking, in 0607 WSF had a significant grow of events included in TTR coming from member nations: 12 nations organized in total 81 competitions (plus some amazing 3-star events like the World Rookie Fests, the Austrian Masters and the BGV Fest in Russia).
The number of riders on the ranking list coming from WSF was more than 2.000 on a total of 3.000: 168 girls and 1835 boys.
The corresponding figures from last season were 6 Associations, 28 competitions and 356 riders: WSF grow more than 400%!
All events are freestyle, 61% Slopestyle, 25% Halfpipe, 12% Big Air and 2% Quaterpipe…hopefully some WSF boardercross events will be included in next calendar!

At World Rookie Fests 2008 the moster get wings (by Armin Popp)

“Star System Guidelines” All nations can participate with an unlimited number of 1 and 2 star events in the WSF calendar according to the “Star System Guidelines” developed with TTR to find the correct level of the competition. We need to improve this evaluation process to make sure events are correct categorized.

BGV Fest 2007 in Russia was great! What will happen at 2008 edition?

WSF calendar on the web site
A WSF calendar will be published on the WSF web site www.worldsnowboardfederation.org early November: all events registered by the Associations will be on the calendar. We also plan to publish a new Event Bios Section on the web site to provide all event’s info to the riders and media.

Pinky Jam was the first WSF only female event. Go Girls! (by Eleonora Raggi)

A Message from WSF president Gunnar Tveit
“I hope that we can have another successful season with participation on the TTR World Tour Ranking. And just to be clear, there is only one ranking list. All WSF registered events approved for the TTR World Snowboard Tour give points for this ranking list. One Tour for men and one for women. All events on all levels are part of the same calendar and only freestyle formats are accepted by TTR.
“We know that the riders find it very motivating to be on this “Rookie to Pro” ranking and more events in a nation, better chance for the riders to advance on the list. We can just hope for a more stable winter season this year.
I welcome new and experienced nations to be part of the ranking and if you have question, please let us know.”
Gunnar Tveit.

Adaptive Snowboard boardercross at USASA Nationals. Respect! (by Ciccio Neuro)

For any information about WSF calendar and events contact the president Mr. Gunnar Tveit at gutveit@online.no.

Follows the minutes of WSF General Assembly realized by Ishi. The meeting in Prague was last june and fix several project for the next season presented in this document.

Minutes by Shigeru Ishihara

Attendance of GA (15 countries, 29 persons)
Meinhard Trojer, AUSTRIA
Martin Birner, AUSTRIA
Tom McIllfaterick, CANADA
Adam Faithfull, CANADA
Jaroslav Bocek, CZECH Republic
Remi Forsans, FRANCE
Alex Dörr, GERMANY
Marco Sampaoli, ITALIA
Luciano Rizzi, ITALIA
Roberta Rizzi : ITALIA
Shinzo Tanuma, JAPAN
Koichi Washio, JAPAN
Shigheru Ishihara, JAPAN
Ieva Melko, LATVIA
Berhout Pim, NETHERLANDS
Tor Svenson, NETHERLANDS
Gunnar Tveit, NORWAY
Stian Linnes, NORWAY
John Harald Knutsson, NORWAY
Marjaana Lappi, NORWAY
Alexey Yanvarev, RUSSIA
Natalie Maslova, RUSSIA
Josef Murin, SLOVAKIA
Slavomir Kapa, SLOVAKIA
Deniz Sahin, TURKEY
Yevgeniy Pavlyukevych, UKRAINE
Natalie Fenova, UKRAINE
Fred Mertl, USA
Karen Mertl, USA

Date for the General Assembly
Saturday 2nd of June.
0845 – 0900 Welcome and presentation
0900 – 1600 WSF General Assembly.2007

Note: on some point the minutes refers to a document which was sent to all delegates before the meeting.

The regular General Assembly dealt with all points according to the Statues

1. Appoint a secretary to take the minutes.
Shigeru Ishihara was appointed to take the minutes.

2. Appoint 2 persons to confirm and sign the minutes.
Shinzo Tanuma and Jarda Bocek were appointed to confirm and sign the minutes.

3. Approve the votes and proxies.
No Proxies were received. The votes was done by Shigeru Ishihara.

4. Approve the agenda.
The agenda was approved without any changes.

5. Appoint the scrutineers for the period of the Assembly.
Shigeru Ishihara was appointed the scruteneers.

6. Approve the minutes of the previous GA.
The Minutes from WSF General Assembly was approved without any comment.

7. Approve the reports of the President and the Board.
Board Report was approved as presented in the document sent to the delegates before the GA.
Alexey Yanvarev presented opportunities as C-Center.
GA supported further development of C-Centre to use for both NSA’s and WSF.
Remi Forsans presented EuroSIMA and D-Day project.
GA supported that WSF stay with the Membership of EuroSIMA and also supported to cooperate with EuroSIMA about D-Day the coming season. The delegates indicated that the 23rd of December 2007.was the best date for D-Day (better than the alternative of 31st of December)

8. Approve the reports from each region and each commission.
Marjaana Lappi gave a short presentation about Female Snowboarding Committee.
The reports was approved by GA as it presented in the document.
Stian Linnes gave a short presentation about Education work and the report on education was approved as it was presented in the document.
Gunnar Tveit presented summery from annual updates of NSA’s.
GA supported to collect this kind of information every year.

9. Approve the financial and auditor’s report.
The financial and auditor’s report was approved as presented in the documents.

10. Approve the accounts. See Point 9.

11. Approve the annual membership fee as determined by the Board of Directors.
GA decided the following membership fees coming season:
National Associations with 1- 499 members pay Euro 500
National Associations with 500 – 999 members pay Euro 1000
National Associations with 1000 – 9999 members pay Euro 1250
National Associations with 10000 and more members pay Euro 1500

12. Budget for the following year
The GA approved the following budgets:

WSF BUDGET 2007 (June 1 – December 31)

EXPENSES (€)
1 Website 2 000
2 Press office, media 750
3 Education, materiel 3 950
4 Calendar 1 000
5 Membership services 1 250
6 CEO wages 4 500
7 WSF operational costs 2 500
8 Accounting 1 000
9 CEO travel costs 3 249 Remaining from extraordinary sponsorship
10 General Assembly 2007 1 100
11 Autumn Board meeting 1 100
12 Board travel expenses 2 700
13 Registration Rookies logo 3 000
14 Pay dept to NSA 4 400 (Italy, Czech Rep, Japan, Norway)
TOTALS 32 499 €

INCOMES
15 Membership fees 19 000
16 Ranking fee 8 250
17 Education 2 000
Sponsorship 3 249 Remaining from extraordinary sponsorship
TOTALS 32 499 €

WSF BUDGET 2008 (Jan 1 – December 31)

EXPENSES (€)
1 Website 4 000
2 Press office, media 1 500
3 Education, materiel 2 000
4 Calendar 1 000
5 Membership services 3 000
6 CEO wages 9 000
7 WSF operational costs 5 000
8 Accounting 1 000
9 CEO travel costs 2 000
10 General Assembly 2007 1 050
11 Autumn Board meeting 1 000
12 Board travel expenses 2 400
13 Registration Rookies Logo 3 000
14 Pay dept to NSA 2 800
TOTALS 35 750 €

INCOMES
15 Membership fees 19 000
16 Ranking fees 14 750
17 Education 2 000
TOTALS 35 750 €

13. Assess and vote on the applications for new membership.

The following associations were approved as NEW member nations in WSF.
BELGIUM, LATVIA, KYRGYZSTAN, KAZAKHSTAN, SWITZERLAND, NETHERLANDS, TURKEY, UKRAINE.
GA decided to develop minimum requirements for WSF member nations. This should be decided on board meeting in November 2007.

14. Elect the President, Vice-president and treasurer.
GA elected for Board in WSF.
Gunnar Tveit/NOR President
Alexey Yanvarev/RUS Vice President
Shinzo Tanuma/JPN Treasurer

15. Elect up to 3 additional members of the Board of Directors.
GA elected for Board in WSF.
Marco Sampaoli/ITA
Remi Forsans/FRA
Daniella Buntain/CAN

16. Elect a qualified auditor.
GA elected as Auditor Ing. Hana Kollertova, Czech Republic.

17. Elect a Controlling Committee of 3 qualified members.
GA elected this Controlling Committee.
Steinar Arvesen, Norway (leader)
Jaroslav Bocek, Czech Rep
Shigeru Ishihara, Japan

18. Elect a election committee for the next GA.
GA elected this election Committee.
Shigeru Ishihara, Japan (leader of committee)
Annika Bodemar, Norway
Krister Backstroem, Finland

19. Discuss or vote on any other issues on the agenda, which is presented in writing and distributed to the members together with the agenda.

Proposal (1)
Board proposed following about educational
1. The General Assembly approves to introduce and use a unified educational system for all education in WSF and its members association, covering instructors, judges, TD and other functions.
2. WSF has all rights to courses, manuals, certifying, badges or logos developed linked to the educational system and for all time it will be part of WSF. (cannot be outsourced)
3. All educational material and courses must be of very high quality to meet the criteria to be recognised by the different national governments and in long term to be recognised by EU.
4. WSF introduce a certification system for all education in WSF. That means each person who has successfully passed a standardised and unified course program run by WSF or national snowboard association (WSF member), will be certified by WSF. The list of certified persons will be published on WSF web site to show who can be used at different level (head instructor, instructor) and within different topics. (instructor, judge, TD)
5. All participants attending a WSF course, run by WSF or NSA pay a registration fee of Euro 10 and also pay an annual fee of Euro 10. The fees paid cover administration and maintenance of the list of certified persons, as well as developing work on all educational issues.
6. All administration, developing work, coordination and certification are done by the WSF Educational department.
7. All certified persons have to sign a contract with WSF to accept to act according to the rules of WSF. This must be done to secure quality of all work as well as secure that nothing can be used in commercial interest /settings outside WSF.

GA supported to develop a common educational system within WSF. Inputs for this System will be discussed in the session about education workshop on Sunday.

Proposal (2)
The Board proposed following about Financial reporting period.
1. The period for the financial reports, auditors report and budget follow the calendar year (1st Jan – 31st Dec),
2. In the transmission period the following will be done:
a. At GA 2007 present financial report for 1.June 2006 – 30.May 2007, but auditors report only for the period 1st June – 31st December 2006. Present a budget for the period 1st June – 31st December 2007 and a separate budget for the period 1st January – 31st December 2008.
b. At GA 2008 present financial report for the period 1st June – 31st December 2007, auditors report for 1st January – 31st December 2007 and a budget for 1st January – 31st December 2009.
c. At the GA 2009 the new routines has been established and follow calendar year.

GA approved the proposal.

Proposal (3)
The Board proposed the following about WSF membership card.
1. The GA approves to introduce a common WSF individual membership card.
2. The number of cards registered by WSF/NSA count as the number of members each nation has votes according to.
3. The member cards can be issued at different level and different levels will be weighted different when calculating the number of votes.
4. The card is sold by the national associations and a certain amount of the fee is paid to WSF.
5. The membership card system must be overall managed and coordinated on WSF level.
6. The Board is mandated to work out a system for a membership card which replace national membership cards and after hearings with NSA implement the card system for the coming season.

The Board was mandated to work out a system for a membership card which can replace national membership cards and after hearings with NSA implement the card system for the coming season.

GA appointed the following committee for further development of the proposal.
Remi Forsans (Leader of committee)
One representative from each of the following nations; Italy, Canada, Czech Rep., Austria
The committee presents their suggestions to the Board in November meeting.

Delegates from 15 nations meet in Prague this june to discuss about last season activities and future project of the WSF. The meeting was very good and result in news ideas and new nations involved.

Gunnar Tveit, WSF President, present the GA program

Austria, Canada, Czech, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraina, USA and Turkey were rappresented at WSF General Assembly in Prauge. Also the whole commeettee were present (electing, education, female, adaptive and rookie fest/event) allowing a great sharing of ideas and opportunity to explain to everybody the future directions in every areas with presentation, working groups and open discussions. Whoever want to join a commeette and offer his assistence to the development of snowboard was always welcomed.

Ishi (JPN) and Remì Forsans(FRA) – Libor (CZK) previous WSF president.

The board of directors and the president Mr Gunnar Tveit, reported on main WSF activities from 2006.07: the organization is growing fast and healty, in the respect of the program setted years ago and of the long term strategy.

Fred Mertl (USA) step down from the Board of Direction and his place was assigned to Danny Boutain (Canada) who joined the other boards for the next seasons: Gunnar Tveit (Norway), Shinzo Tanuma (Japan), Remì Forsan (France), Alexey Yanvarev (Russia) and Marco Sampaoli (Ialy).

Stian (NOR) during the instruction program presentation – Marjanna Lappi (NOR)for the WSF Female Commeette

27 nation are now part of the WSF network and other are next to join. More than 2000 riders from WSF events (81 events in 12 nation) were included in the TTR world tour and ranks while hundreds of competition were organized at regional or national level assigning point only for the national tour. 45.000 is estimnation of the total member of WSF.

From the competition point of view was presented the idea of a WSF Adaptive World Cup 2008, first of ever world event dedicated to disable riders and a big step to push the snowboard inclusion in winter paralympics. Was annouced the World Rookie Tour 2008 with rookie event of 4 different level hitting 3 continental areas: seems that every nation is motivated to organize rookie events and regional, national, international and world final level are now setted with specific guidelines for each one. A WSF Girls Tour 2008 was discussed too and will be soon announced. The female commeette was presented as one of the new issue for the nation and of course all the girls and female delegates at GA immediatly joined it.

Tom McIllfaterick (Canadian Chief Executive Director) and Deniz Sahin (Turk Snowboard Organization President).

New memebers Latvia, Ucraina, Turkey, Netherland presented themselves and also Canada provide a short update about its new activities introduced for Vancouver 2010. Alex Dorr from Germany provide several interesting feedback about the ranks possibility and management.

Another good meeting in Prague for WSF delegates! Thank you Libor!

Also EuroSIMA was presented introducing his role in the snowboard business, the relation with WSF and the concept of the Snowboard D Day 2007 inviting every nation to join this celebration of the snowboard. Of course, as established in the snowboard tradition, a couple of parties were setted but this is another story…

Txt&Pics by Marco Sampaoli

Audi Cup stroke russian resort “Snegny” in Saint Petersburg last march with a huge gap session dominated by rookies. Boardercross competition, rally pilots and firework showcase complete the program of this nice event.

Date: 10 March 2007
Place: Saint-Petersburg, Korobitsino, Mountain-skiing resort “Snegny”

First time in Russia the unique contest was held on 10th March 2007 in Saint-Petersburg!Ski & board cross, Big Air (Gap) and the best rally pilots show school “Quattro” were held in the Mountain – skiing resort complex “Snegny” at once!The best Russian sportsmen competed, the best referee umpired, the best arrangement and the best spectators and fans took part in the show! All of that you could see on the 10 March 2007!AUDI WINTER CUP with Big Air contest for the first time was held at the shape “GAP” with the leading shaper Sergey Tarasov – The Senior.

28 riders requested for taking part in the qualification and 11 reached the final.It was really strong and highly-skilled staff: Sergey Tarasov – The Champion of Russia in Big Air of 2006 and The Champion of Russia in Half Pipe of 2007, Petr Yastrebkov won the title of The Champion of Russia in Big Air in 2007 , Sergey Lapushkin is the winner of “World Rookie Fest Finals 2007”.The main umpire of the Big Air competition was Alexey Potapov, umpire attested under the version IJC –WSF PRO-1 category. In qualification each rider had two attempts to reach the final and 11 sportsmen have reached it.The riders demonstrated the high technique skills: what would the show of Denis Poltavskiy cost who did the Double Back Flip five times running and got the Prize of Viewer Sympathy and we got a lots of positive emotions and impressions!

As a result of long meeting of panel of judge was the verdict:
The 1st place – Sergey Tarasov, Saint-Petersburg with the prize of

9.04.2007

By: TTR press office

Supported by sunny Spring conditions, Claudia Fliri (AUT) won her first Ticket To Ride World Snowboard Tour contest at the last all-girl Tour stop, TTR THREE(3)STAR Slopestyle event, Intergirlactik, at Les 7 Laux, France, 4th-7th April, 07.

The last scheduled stop on the Women’s TTR World Snowboard Tour 06/07, Intergirlactik ended the Women’s 3-6 STAR Calendar with a 25-girl line-up of Europe’s finest female freestylers. Saturday’s Finals brought out a field of 10 best qualifiers and 8 invited riders to a best-of-two-run format 18-rider Final at Les 7 Laux’s H05 crew-shaped Slopestyle park.

In a fun contest that showcased women’s creative snowboarding, it was Claudia Fliri (AUT) who impressed the judges most, her best run included a clean frontside 720 on the big kicker, followed by a backside 360, nose-grab on the hip and a 50/50 180 out on the uprail. Fliri (AUT) claimed 550 TTR Ranking Points and ends her TTR 06/07 season at the World Nr 19 spot on the Women’s TTR World Ranking List presented by Swatch.

An overjoyed Fliri (AUT) stated, “It was pretty great. It was sunny and soft snow. The park was good and the kickers were nice. I like to ride TTR events and feel happy that I get to win an event at the end of the season. I’m stoked!”

Vicci Miller (GBR) claimed 2nd place through a solid backside 360, cab 540, frontside board-slide on the kinked rail, 50/50 180 out to finish the season one ranking spot above Fliri (AUT) at TTR World Nr 18. Lisa Filmoser (AUT) stomped a big 540 frontside tail-grab, a Cab 540, a mute grab on the hip, finishing with a 50/50 on the rail to win her a podium 3rd and ends the Tour as TTR World Nr 20.

Two further TTR points-earning TWO(2)STAR events for rookie girls take place later this month. The Men’s TTR Calendar closes with TTR THREE(3)STAR Slopestyle event Snickers Classic & Popcorn Wallride, Saas-Fee, Switzerland, 19th-22nd April, 07.

Few weeks ago a nice Rookie Jam in Nagano to select the best japanese youngester for Ahestetiker Waengle Taengle, value as TTR 5Stars. Shoma Takao resulted the winner and landed in Austria last week to enter is first pro event.

Austrian Masters 2007 was succesfully completed with a nice showcase from the best austrian riders. The K-Park in Kuthai offer a nice set up to the registred riders to show thei best trick to an exhited audience.

The Austrian Masters 2007 in Kühtai were a great event not only because
of the perfect park setup but also because of the fantastic weather
conditions.

The park consisting of a double kicker line followed by a huge corner
and several rails was a beautiful playground for the riders.
Various technical tricks were seen and everyone had a great time!
See you in 08.

Men
1. Patrick Huber
2. Kröll Rudi
3. Fill Hubert

Women
1. Julia Baumgartner
2. Conny Bleicher
3. Sandy Gecek

Rookies
1. Thomas Tramnitz
2. Thomas Feuerstein
3. Stefan Kröll

All pics by Amplatz Andy
www.powdern.com

Last week end was concluded the World Rookie Tour 2007 with the final event in Kuthai. A nice selection of riders from 8 country land in Tyrol to compete in the last WSF rookie event of the season for World Rookie Champion Title and a ticket to Air&Style Rookie Session. Follows story, pics and ranks.

World Rookie Fest Finals 2007 – Kuthai

The russian winner Sergey Lapushkin and Julian Furstinger from Swiss

Kuthai hosted WSF World Rookie Fest Finals with a nice selection of riders from 8 countries running session on jump and rail line. Sergey Lupushkin from Russia resulted the best rider of the event winning the WSF World Rookie Champion Title and a ticket for TTR 6Stars Air&Style 2007 Rookie Session. He showed nice bs900 on the big jump and good selection of trick on the hip.

The Rookie Fest Yeti gets wings and ride the park with the kids!

Nicole Gsponer from Switzerland was the best girl and get a tictet to TTR 2Star Pinky Jam 2007 while the groms (under 14 years old) show again how high is the level of youngsters entering the boys podium: grom winner, Jan Scherrer, got 3rd boys rank and a ticket to 3Star World Rookie Fest 2008 in Livigno. On saturday rail session Thomas Pribik resulted the best obtaing the second ticket to Livigno WRF08.

The event was funny and positive for all riders involved. In the program were included avalanche clinics, video and photo session and social catering to make the riders socialize and know each others.

A couple of nice pics with Jan Scherrer, best grom and 3rd overall

Set up of the k-park was very good with 2 table top with several jumps, followed by a huge hip and including a nice selection of rails. After training and qualification days, finals on saturday morning got a windy day which didn’t allow the use of the whole park.

Tons of pics, video and full story will be avaible soon on www.snow-park.it

Ranks for World Rookie Fest Finals
Kuthai – Austria

Girls
1 Gsponer Nicole SUI
2 Walker Nadine SUI
3 Podgorna Anna POL

Boys
1 Lapushkin Sergey RUS
2 Fassnacht Fabian SUI
3 Scherrer Jan SUI
4 Pribik Thomas AUT
5 Boscacci Nicola SUI
6 Pircher Simon AUT
7 Betschart DominikSUI
8 Sleeckx Yannick BEL
9 Storch Nils GER
10 Fürstinger JulianSUI
11 Bachmann Lars SUI
12 Gschaider MaxiGER
13 Pellegrino Mattia ITA
14 Rybansky Martin SVK
15 Anzaldi Davide ITA
16 Ruggero Naccari ITA
17 Held Patrick AUT
18 Dreher Paul AUT

Rookies, girls and groms podium

Pictures by Armin Popp

Incredible performance by Terje Haakonsen at the Arctic Challenge 2007: bs360 at 9.8m over the quarterpipe coping, grabbing the new world record for the highest jump. Terje is still the king! Also some WSF rookie had his part in a dedicated Rookie Session. Follow a short report.

The incredible bs360 by Terje at 9.8m over the coping

“Terje broken the world record with a 9.8 meter air!” You can see the video on www.method.tv. As anticipated some of the most talented WSF rookie entered the TAC07: italian hero Manuel Pietropoli was included in the official starting list, while Jimi De Jong and Rocco Van Stratten enter the Rookie Session. Manuel got a 3rd place in friday high jump contest.

Manuel Pietropoli was invited at TAC07 directly from Terje Haakonsen!

Young USA rider Kevin Pearce resulted the winner of the competition, followed by Henning Marthinsen (NOR) and Pat Moore (USA). Jake Blauvelt get the highest air during the finals with 9.4m, secondo highest jump of ever.

Kevin Pearce, Marthinsen and Blauvelt during super finals
The Arctic Challenge Final Results
1. Kevin Pearce (USA)
2. Henning Marthinsen (NOR)
3. Patrick Moore (USA)
4. Kim Rune Hansen (NOR)
5. Terje Håkonsen (NOR)
6. Jake Blauvelt (USA)
7. Steve Fisher (USA)
8. Danny Davis (USA)
9. Arthur Longo (FRA)
10. Fumyuki Murakami (JAP)

Highest Airs
Terje Håkonsen: 9.8 metres Friday
Jake Blauvelt: 9.4 metres Saturday

Best Trick
Pat Moore: McTwist 180

Pics by Pedro S. Silva, Methodmag and Franca Olivieri.