Mass Start of the Snowboard Riders at Sonnenkopf

3rd ASA Freeride Inferno at Sonnenkopf Arlberg (Vbg) 17 Jan. 2004

The third ASA Free-ride Inferno started on Saturday, 17th January 2004 at Sonnenkopf in Klostertal (Vbg). All 55 participants raced head on downhill after the group start. Important conditions for winning this race were not only a good training but also special knowledge of the route, so it was no surprise that Vorarlberg was double winner.

Under the motto Group Start in Glatingrat and Full Speed Downhill, the second ASA event of the season was started. It was the third time that this spectacular race was organized at Sonnenkopf. There were only a few guiding gates on the route, the rest was free land.

Due to snowfalls during the last days and the approx. 10 cm thick layer of new snow, the route was inspected again by President Martin Freinademetz and specialized mountain guides in the morning. Safety is top priority in such races, so according to the avalanche situation there were two routes set and prepared. The participants must wear helmets and avalanche beepers.

Right on time for the start of the race on Glatingrat, the sky was clearing and the sun gave the start signal for the first of the two descends on the challenging route which led over river beds as well. The second descend could also start with a blue sky after a pause caused by snowfalls. As both rides lasted more than 7 minutes – an altitude difference of more than 1000 m had to be managed – the riders had to give everything they had in them.

Last year's winner Ralph Castelberg from Switzerland had to cancel his participation due to injuries, so other local riders had a chance to win. Bernhard Dietrich, known by fellow snowboard riders as “Old Hare” was first to finish the race. Christoph Vonbank, last year's third, won second place, right before Harry Putz .

In the women race there was an international trio. Nadine Dabri from Bavaria won first place, Daniela Bodmer (Osttirol) came in second and Pippi Dekarek from Innsbruck third.

Results Men:

1. Bernhard Dietrich (Vbg.)
2. Christoph Vonbank (Vbg.)
3. Harry Putz (Ktn.)

Results Women:

1. Nadine Dabri (D)
2. Daniela Bodmer (T)
3. Pippi Dekarek (T)

After the race, the organizer invited everyone to grill'n'chill at the camp fire in the snow. The winners could enjoy ski holidays in Alrberg and ski lift tickets at Sonnenkopf.