On 21.03.15, the final of the Open Faces Freeride Series took place in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. As the last FWQ 4* event, it was also about the final decision in the battle for qualification for the Freeride World Tour 2016. This meant that an extremely strong field of riders was on offer and the "Hangerer" presented itself as challenging as usual. Rider reporters Jochen Mesle and Julian Zenzmaier report for PowderGuide.
The starting position
As this was the last 4* event of the European Freeride World Qualifier, it was clear in advance that there would be an exciting battle for the last decisive points and that there would be a very strong and international field of riders. A good 10 riders still had the chance to secure a starting place for the 2016 Freeride World Tour, especially in the men's ski category, while important points for the Austrian Freeride Series title were also at stake in the overall FWQ ranking.
On Friday morning, we made our way to Obergurgl and were allowed to pick our starting numbers straight away - this time we got both places in the last quarter. Knowing the order in advance is a big advantage during the face check, as it allows you to think about possible cross-tracks in the landings etc. The Hohe Mut cable car then took us up to the Hohe Mut Alm, from where the "Hangerer" face could be viewed in the finest spring weather. Some Forerunners had the honor of skiing the face and told us about the snow conditions.
Afterwards we went over to the lounge, where we were welcomed with a delicious BBQ. At the obligatory riders' meeting in the evening, the start numbers were distributed and all the necessary information about the face and the course of the contest on Saturday was given. The start was brought forward by an hour to make better use of the generally short weather window.
Saturday - Contest
Thanks to our late start numbers, we allowed ourselves a few extra minutes of sleep and a hearty breakfast at the Berghotel Alpenaussicht. However, we arrived in the public area just in time for the first starter - the overall leader Arianna Tricomi - and found a great atmosphere.
First on the program were the women and then alternately the snowboard and ski men. After just over half of the starting field, the weather became unstable, which is why the organization decided to complete the entire snowboarding field first. When we arrived at the start gate, we found a heated discussion between the remaining riders, who had legitimate doubts about the fairness of the competition due to the changing visibility conditions.
The contest was nevertheless carried out, with the eventual winner Kristoffer Turdell in particular showing that decent runs were still possible - but unfortunately only a few of the late starters shared this luck or ability.
Results
Ski Women:
There was an all-French podium in the women's ski category. Chloë Roux-Mollard finished in first place. A massively fast run and a double cliff at the start brought her victory. Laure Vailly came second, also impressing the judges with plenty of airtime and a fluid line. Samantha Bernos completed the podium. The best Austrian was Jacoba Kriechmayr, who finished in 6th place and is therefore still wearing the AFS "Leader" jersey.
Ski Men:
As already mentioned, victory went to Sweden's Kristoffer Turdell, who has now secured his ticket for the World Tour. Despite the poor visibility, he produced a high-speed run with three big cliffs! Elias Henderson, also from Sweden, finished in second place. Elias impressed with a fluid line and scored plenty of points in the air and style section with his grabs. Powder guide reporter Julian "the king" Zenzmaier was delighted to take third place, defending his lead in the Austrian Freeride Series. His rival Michael Strauss finished in fourth place.
Snow Women:
Mikaela Hollsten from Finland took her third win of the season in a 4* contest in Obergurgl and thus enters the World Tour with a "perfect score". She was the only one to venture into the far right area of the slope. A very technical and fluid line choice secured her victory. The Russian Anna Orlova came second. Austria's Manuela Mandl finished in third place.
Snowboard Men:
Clemens Bergmann from Fieberbrunn won the snowboarding competition. After two second places in a row, he is finally at the top, and well deserved. With a very fluid line and lots of jumps, he impressed both the judges and the spectators. Mickael Bimboes finished in second place. The Frenchman is definitely an exceptional talent. He registered for both categories, first showed a very strong snowboard run, ran back up to the start (1 hour) and took off on skis.
Third place went to Thomas Feuerstein, who is currently leading the Austrian Freeride Series. Thomas and Clemens will therefore decide the title between themselves at the final on the Kitzsteinhorn.
Resumée
All in all, it was a successful finale to the Open Faces Freeride Series - thanks to great organization, a great atmosphere and a delicious BBQ, there's nothing left to be desired - hopefully the weather will be even better next year.
