The comeback of the Austrian 3* Freeride Qualifier classic at the Kitzsteinhorn in Zell am See/Kaprun was a complete success with perfect spring conditions and top performances.
The X OVER RIDE at the Kitzsteinhorn is known for years for the great season end and a “get together” of the Austrian, but also the international freeride scene. The joy of reunion was greater than ever this year after 2 years of forced break and so were the sporting performances in spring-like “slushy” conditions. “Sent” was everything that the freeride heart desires and that in all categories. The winners showed 3s, backflips and the now world famous “moss rides” on the Lakarschneid.
Early in the morning, some riders were still unsure about the conditions. As hard as the night cold still made the snow cover, the morning sun softened it well. Head of Safety Markus Kogler’s decision to start on time at 09:30 again proved to be a very good one and conditions were soft but fair and consistent from start to finish. So everything was set for the big freeride show on the Kitzsteinhorn.
The success story of the Austrian snowboarder Olivia Riedel goes into the next round
Olivia Riedel could already win her very first 1* contest this year with a wildcard. She reached the starting field of the X OVER RIDE by winning the Ride & Shine Online Contest where 3 wildcards and a mentorship were awarded by submitted videos. Olivia’s mentor was none other than Timmy Schroeder, who obviously prepared her perfectly for the Lakarschneid. With a solid run and many smaller but safe drops, she narrowly edged out World Tour proven Mikaela Hollstein from Finland, who skied a line in the very steep final chute but didn’t quite stay flawless this time. The third place went to the German Pilar Bergevoet.
Swiss victory in the snowboard men
Stefan Gartmann from Switzerland prevailed with a very special line and late start number. He chose – like no other on this day – the very steep “riders left” chute and convinced not only with a fluid run, but especially by his “line management”, the judges. Second place went to Austrian Florian Handschuh, who skied a similar line to the winner, but was not quite flawless. Spaniard Dani Sanchez Ballestero convinced with a lot of freestyle tricks spread over the whole face and ended up in third place.
“Moss Ride” and 2 Austrians on the podium in the supreme discipline Ski Men
The “4-Star-Contest” experienced Andi Jenewein was a class of his own today. Right at the start he showed a backflip followed by extraordinarily fluid and fast riding in the middle section and a 3, i.e. a spin around his own axis. In the steep lower gully he was the only one to convince the judges with another 3 and on top of that he skied the last third of the gully at “high speed” to the finish. With 88 points Andreas Jennewein took the first victory at the X OVER RIDE. With a similar run, Maj Stirn from Slovenia placed second, only 3 points behind. Third place went to Jakob Ernst, another Austrian with a now world-famous “Moss Ride” line. In the lower steep gully area of the Lakarschneid there is a line that can only be mastered by skiing mostly open mossy areas and direct cliff jumping for several meters. A sensational line, which Jakob Ernst caught perfectly on this day.
Anna Gurschler is the surprise winner in the women’s ski race
It was only her second contest and she came out on top with a unique line and a lot of speed right away at this first 3* Freeride World Qualifier. A huge success for the young Austrian. Second place went to Monika Novakova from the Czech Republic with many smaller “drops” and a line into the lower, very steep final chute. Third place went to Claudia Klobasa, another Austrian, who jumped a really high cliff in the lower steep section and only lost a better placing due to a slightly unsafe landing.
In an exuberant mood and absolute “spring conditions” the contest season was celebrated again this year at the event on the Kitzsteinhorn in Zell am See-Kaprun. Organizer Christian Geissler was overjoyed and thanked the numerous partners and riders for this absolutely successful and emotional comeback after a 2 year break. The X OVER RIDE is back and we are all looking forward to the continuation of this traditional competition in 2023.
PRESS IMAGES / TEASER / THE FACEDOWNLOAD:
https://bit.ly/xoverride22_recap
Link to all Ride & Shine submissions:
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17924246747146828/
Teaser FB / Face Video:
https://bit.ly/xoverride2022_allinfos