From 26 – 28 January 2018 Lake Reschen played host for more than 80 Snowkiters from all over Europe at this years first IKA SnowKite WorldCup stop with Florian Gruber (GER) being the dominating force in both Course Racing and Long Distance disiplines.
The first day was all about the Long Distance Race, where 81 Snowkiters fought to finish the course around the lake as fast as possible. After four laps and approximately 60 km in 1hrs and 39 minutes Florian Gruber (GER) finished just before Felix Kersten (GER) and Bruce Kessler (SUI) in the ski division.
In the snowboarding division Ronny Bollhalder (SUI) was leading the first two rounds and had the victory almost secured until cramps in his legs stopped him from keeping up his lead. Bernd Spiering (GER) and Aldo Storelli (ITA) took advantage and left Ronny in third place.
Nadine Stippler (GER) was the only woman on ski, who finished the Long Distance Race. Latvian power girl Aija Ambrase was able to win against Silvia Semprini (ITA) on her snowboard.
Saturday and sunday was all about Freestyle and Course Racing. Unfortunately the wind didn’t show up on Saturday so that the spectators and competitors enjoyed the beautiful weather and great athmosphere in the event village.
The windless day was no disappointment for the many spectators though who came out to the event village to enjoy the hospitality and get a taste of the local food and drink specialities on offer. Old and young enjoyed the sunshine, after it had snowed for almost one full week in the leadup to the event.
The final day brought bright sunshine and a stable northerly breeze of 10 knots, and racing finally got underway at 10:30. After 6 successful races and a few prostest hearings the organizer were able to crown the winners of the first event of the IKA Snowkite Worldcup 2018.
Felix Kersten tried hard to fight against his countryman Florian Gruber, but couldn’t beat his outstanding performance. With another second podium spot it was truly a successful weekend for Felix. The third place goes to Russian Pro-Rider Andrei Balyakin.
Also the girls showed that they belong on the racing track. On her snowboard, Aija Ambrasa from Latvia won every single race and secured well deserved the first position on the podium. Silvia Semprini from Italy saved the second place before Judith Müller from Germany.
With her first time on ski while kiting, Jana Schader (GER) left Anna Maria Gadzinowska (ITA) and Lisa Pozzi (SUI) behind and scored another spot on the podium.
In the afternoon the Freestylers were able to show what kind of tricks they got in their pockets. In the middle of lake they hit the kickers and sliders and impressed the crowds with spectacular rotations and jumps.
Andrea Luca Amman (SUI) was able to take the victory before local Rider Fabian Oberhofer (ITA) and Heinar Brandstötter (AUT). Jana Schader (GER) went straight after the races into the Freestyle-Competition and won against Aina Renolen (NOR) and Carola de Groot (NED).
The tour now continues to the second Italian stop in Roccaraso, where the Formula GPS discipline will debute and reward the best Ski and Snowkite Freeriders for best use of the terrain. As second discipline, Cross Country Racing is scheduled, long distance races similar to the one on Lake Reschen but including ascends and descends as given by the large skiing area in central Italy.
