With an FWQ 1*, the expectations of the face are not particularly high. Uttendorf-Weisssee is completely different: a complex face with many options, a steep upper section and a challenging orientation in the lower section of the Tauernkogel. A contest in April generally requires good technique from the riders, as the snow conditions vary during the run. Weisssee has long since ceased to be an insider tip among freeriders, offering endless variations, from easy to pretty close to madness, extremely good touring options and also fun treeruns. Only the wind sometimes puts a spanner in the works. But that doesn't really matter when you look out over the winter landscape from the sauna in the Rudolfshütte. Overnight accommodation is available for pretty fair prices, but you have to book a little earlier than planned freeriders do... So we spend the night somewhere else and follow the 13 hairpin bends from Uttendorf up to Enzingerboden, where the riders meeting has just started at the valley station: At the meeting it was nice to see how much freeride (contest) new blood there is, so many new faces and a relaxed vibe. A 1* is a good opportunity to get a taste of ContestHappening. You get to know future riding buddies, people who share the same passion. This connects you for years, across borders and also offers very practical benefits, such as overnight accommodation in every corner of the Alps.
From theory to action:
Over 70 riders tried to give their best on the Tauernkogel. For the first bibs, it was still a little hard directly below the start, for the last bibs it was already too soft. Classic spring conditions. The foehn of the previous days also added some structure to the face, with waist-high wind gusts at the end of the cliffs leading to some spectacular falls.
Results
In the end, the middle start numbers between 30 and 40 had the best conditions, but even the last starter in the men's ski category, Flo Fiedler with number 76, showed an extremely strong run and finished second. Chevy (Siobhan Challis) showed the most spectacular line in the women's snowboard category. She dropped a cliff in the upper section without hesitation, but the wind gangs were her undoing in the outrun. Still a second place. Newcomer Bertun Waldhans from Vienna came third, while I myself (Manuela Mandl) came first with severe orientation difficulties but without falling. What I learned: humility before the mountain.
A pleasing result for us flatland freeriders from the east of Austria: Franz Magdics from Vienna won the men's snowboard classification, while the starter with one of the most exotic nationalities for the freeriding contest, Alexis Tsokos from Greece, came second. Third place went to Patrick Bessert from Denmark. Incidentally, the highest elevation on the Danish mainland is 172 meters. Eva-Maria Speckle from Ländle, but living in Innsbruck, won the women's ski category. A well-deserved first place. Alexandra Gröpl from Vienna, who won a wildcard at the Shades of Winter Freeride Camp, came second. Paula Hansen from Sweden came third on the podium. There were once again many spectacular and clean runs to be seen in the men's skiing, although, as mentioned above, changing snow conditions prevailed. The all-Austrian podium was dominated by the young guns and newcomers. Lukas Mühlmann, who raced in the Juniors last year, came third. Florian Fiedler came second with style, confident skiing technique and an interesting line. Martin Probst from Carinthia won the men's ski category. Some massive drops and confident technique led to victory. You should keep an eye on all three men, they definitely have the potential to be among the front runners in major competitions. Women skiers: 1st Eva-Maria Speckle (AT), 2nd Alexandra Gröpl (AT), 3rd Paula Hansen (SWE) SB women: 1st Manuela Mandl (AT), 2nd Siobhan Challis (AT), 3rd Bertrun Waldhans (AT). Bertrun Waldhans (AT) Ski Men: 1st Martin Probst (AT), 2nd Florian Fiedler (AT), 3rd Lukas Mühlmann (AT) SB Men: 1st Franz Magdics (AT), 2nd Alexis Tsokos (GRE), 3rd Patrick Bessert (DEN)
From action to organization
As is now customary, we paid a reduced price for the day pass, but in return there was a nice public viewing area at the Rudolfshütte with beanbags, motivated presenters and, probably most importantly, a buffet lunch for all riders in the cosy and warm Rudolfshütte.
Conclusion
It pays to come, take part and watch, both Weisssee as a ski resort and the Contest Face have great potential.
