For the first time, the Open Faces Axamer Lizum was held as a 3-star Freeride World Qualifier, and the performance density and starting field in the Lizum were accordingly high-caliber, as the face unfortunately only offered a few opportunities. For the first time in the history of the Open Faces series, the winners came from four different nations.
In perfect weather conditions in the Axamer Lizum, the international riders were particularly impressive, showing fast lines and a few tricks. Freeride World Tour rider Neil David Williman left no doubt in the men's ski category. The New Zealander showed a safe run in the upper area of the face and finished his run with a perfect backflip: "I crashed in my last World Tour races, today's contest is great for my confidence. I've been training a lot in the Axamer Lizum this season, this resort has a good vibe. Super awesome," said the New Zealander happily. Julian Zenzmaier from Innsbruck was delighted with second place: "Everything just came together today. I'm really happy with the result. I crashed in the last two contests, so I'm all the more pleased with this result.
Third place went to Ivan Malakhov.
In the men's snowboard event, Johannes Schwaiger from Maria Alm was able to impress: "I was optimistic, but the victory is a dream. I never expected it, as I had a rather safe run." Chris Charlet came second, Patrik Faistenauer (AUT) third. Hochfügen winner Flo Orley, who tried to incorporate a 360 into his line, had to admit defeat in the Lizum this time.
In the women's ski category, Russia's Anna Khankevich celebrated her first victory on Austrian soil: "The snow conditions this winter are very interesting. It was difficult to find a line that allowed both jumps and fast turns. It was a big challenge for me to filter out a creative line here, but I managed it well." Second place went to Arianna Tricomi (ITA), who once again improved the women's ranking with her clean 360 and was also crowned Style Queen. The best Austrian in the women's ski category was Sabine Schipflinger from Salzburg in 3rd place.
Finland's Liisa Korpela won the women's snowboard category: "I skied exactly the line I wanted. Still, I'm a bit surprised to be at the top. But of course I'm very happy with that and I'm absolutely thrilled." Second place went to Martine van der Hoorn, who secured a wildcard via the OPEN just one day earlier. Anna Orlova, another strong Russian, completed the podium.
The style king in the Axamer Lizum was Clemens Bergmann from Fieberbrunn, thanks to a backside 360 with Mute Grab'. In the women's category, Italy's Arianna Tricome made her clean 360 speak for itself. The two win 100 euros each in cash.
The Austrian FWQs continue as part of the Open Faces Series on 22/02/2014 in Kappl and as part of the Austrian Freeride Series at the same time in Carinthia on Goldeck. A report from the perspective of our rider reporters Julian Zenzmaier and Jochen Mesle will be available after the event on the "FWT Hang" in Kappl!
The rest of the Austrian Freeride Series schedule:
21.-23.02.2014 - 2* BIG MOUNTAIN GOLDECK
22.02.2014 - 2* OPEN FACES KAPPL (new date)
09.03.2014 - 1* OPEN FACES UTTENDORF/Weißsee
27.02.-02.03.2014 2* Pitztal Wild Face (Austrian Freeride Series)
15.03.2014 - 3* OPEN FACES SILVRETTA MONTAFON
22.03.2014 - 3* X Over Ride Kitzsteinhorn (Austrian Freeride Series)
29.03 2014 - 4* OPEN FACES OBERGURGL
