Successful Snowboard FIS World Cup debut in New Zealand

The favourites claimed victory at the World Cup Opener in New Zealand. Manuela Laura Pesko (SUI) and Ryoh Aono (JPN) have won the first half pipe competition of the NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup’s new season. They have shown why the reigning World Cup Champions will be the top contenders for winning the battle for the “Crystal Globe”.

2007 World Champion Pesko secured her triumph with a solid second run in the finals scoring 42.1 points and thus relegating Lindsey Jacobellis (USA) to the second spot (41.7). Clair Bidez (USA, 39.7) rounded out the podium as third. On the men’s side, Aono clinched his win with an outstanding first run (45.1). Iouri Podladtchikov finished second in his first appearance for Switzerland (43.2) being accompanied by his fellow countryman Rolf Feldmann (39.6).

After the first ever World Cup event ever in New Zealand, Manuela Laura Pesko was all smiles regarding her perfect kick-off of the season: “I wasn’t really convinced of my first run so I decided to alter my attitude for the second one focusing more on the personal fun riding a halfpipe. That worked out pretty well and I was riding like I normally do. I’m very pleased with the result especially because you never know where you stand in the beginning of a new season.”

Ryoh Aono resembled Pesko’s words: “I didn’t expecting anything special of this World Cup Opener – especially due to the fact that it was pretty windy out there. But it paid off that I worked really hard to have a good preparation for the new winter. I will try to keep hold on my World Cup title.”

Additional Quotes:

Lindsey Jacobellis, USA, Second: “It was fun riding today. I really enjoyed it because the weather held off. So, it turned out to be a better contest that I thought. I didn’t have any expectations entering the contest. I just looked what my body and the halfpipe allowed me to do. I’m happy with the result.”

Iouri Podladtchikov, Switzerland, Second: “The halfpipe was in a perfect shape although I wasn’t able to throw in my 1080 combination. I’m more than pleased with the result because my best finish until now was a 13th spot. But indeed, I would have loved to win after I was the best in the qualifications.”

Rolf Feldmann, Switzerland, Third: “I’m pleased although I finally want to win if I’m riding as good as today. A World Cup victory is still missing on my belt. But I hopefully will claim that one during this 07/08 season.”