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Seegrube-Nordkette 1999
Inferno am Sonnenkopf 2002
Inferno am Sonnenkopf 2003
Inferno am Sonnenkopf 2004
Inferno am Sonnenkopf 2005


STATEMENTS

Ralph Castelberg:

Age 23, from Zurich, half profi, long-board rider (note: snowboard with a minimum length of 1m72, in this case of 1m90, meaning a longer effective edge length and better attenuation of hits)

"This really was a cool event. At the start, I was in the front midfield, I believe my board helped me win."

Markus Staudacher:

Age 27, from St. Veit in Kaernten, snowboard teacher in Oetztal, previously Big Air Events, now Boardercross and Freeride (last year third place in the overall standings at Spocus Boardercross Tour)

"A crazy event for crazy people, by crazy people! It was great fun, my calves are still burning! I certainly will participate next year again, but before I will get some hints from the locals. Surely one of the highlights of my career!"

Christoph "Dudli" Vonbank:

Age 29, from Braz in Vorarlberg, second runner last year at the free-ride event at Sonnenkopf.

"I was the leader of the second descend for a long time. But as I looked back, I tumbled over a stone, fell and was set back. I could improve my position with three places only at the low part. Anyway, I am glad that I can still compete with the young ones."

Philip Alexander Huber:

Age 24, from Gerlos in Tirol, snowboard teacher in Gerlos, usually participates in Halfpipe and Big Air contests

"I am glad to have come to this contest. It was exciting, but not dangerous. The people were all in good shape."

Carmen Waldner:

Age 19, from Tristen in Eastern Tirol, snowboard teacher in Switzerland, usually slope style rider and boardercross rider

"It was really fun. I am glad that I can still stand on my feet now!"

Raphaela Rudigier:

Age 21, from Gallenkirch in Vorarlberg, student in Innsbruck, last year's winner of boardercross T-Mobile Austrian Open by ASA

"I am from around here, but I didn't know the Sonnenkopf valley so well. So I had no advantage - but I had routine from the boardercross contests."

Kathrin Thum:

Age 21, from Vandans in Vorarlberg, engine fitter in Nueziders, previous participant in slope style contests.

"It was very demanding. But the motto here is full speed downhill. There should definitely be more such events!"


Inferno at Sonnenkopf - 18.01.2003

After the great success of last year, the second snowboard free-ride event at Sonnenkopf valley resort started today, with beautiful sunny weather. 60 participants rushed downhill at the moment the start was given. They fought for a 2,000 Euro prize and many other prizes in things.

Results - male:

  1. Ralph Castelberg (Zürich, Schweiz)
  2. Markus Staudacher (St. Veit, Kärnten)
  3. Christoph "Dudli" Vonbank (Braz, Vorarlberg)
  4. Philip Alexander Huber (Gerlos, Tirol)

Results - female:

  1. Carmen Waldner (Tristen, O-Tirol)
  2. Raphaela Rudigier (St. Gallenkirch, Vorarlberg)
  3. Kathrin Thum (Vandans, Vorarlberg)

Mass start and full speed were the motto for this event. Some gates guided in some degree the participants in their race downhill. Only a short distance was covered on a prepared slope, most of the route led through free territory. Just like last year, security was first priority. Experienced mountain guides surveyed the route and the start was given only after their approval. Helmets and avalanche beeper were obligatory.

The start was given at Grat, between the peak Glatingrat and Purtschakopf, at a height of ca. 2,200 m above sea level. There were two descends, the first ended approximately at the half distance of the Obermoos cable railway, the second far below the Obermoos railway, at ca 1,150 m above seal level. It took almost 7 minutes for the winner to cover the height difference of over 1,000 m, the average time lay at 8 minutes. There are high demands in material, spirit and fitness set by such long races. The athletes had to give everything.

The reward for their strain was a barbecue in the snow, offered at the finish, a camp fire and DJ- sound - the festivities are still going on and will be taken to the X-CITE party in the "Tobias" convent.

Although last year's free-ride event of the ASA at the Sonnenkopf valley resort was dominated by the participants from Vorarlberg, this year the ladies and gentlemen had to give in. One of the reasons must have been the tough competition, determined by last year's success.

 

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