2007 O’Neill Freeride Quest By Nissan in Flaine Results
Flaine, France - 48 riders hiked up today under a bluebird sky to the summit of the Aiguille d'Aujon in Flaine. They had one single run to prove to the judges that they deserved one of the 14 tickets for the Verbier Xtreme. A grandiose show that delighted the public on spot.
After a one-hour and a half hike up, female skiers and snowboarders succeeded one another from 11am on the North face of the Aiguille d'Aujon before the males dropped in. Berti Denervaud, head-judge, describes the snow coverage: "Exceptional snow conditions being given the disastrous winter we've had." A godsend for all the riders that have thus been able to jump big cliffs and land in light snow.
In the snowboarders, the Swiss Xavier Jordan was waiting for the results with a lot of nervousness. At the announcement of his name for the first place, he saluted all the other riders and said: "The day was wonderful, we've all been surprised by the good quality of the snow. I didn't feel the competition pressure when I was at the top with all my mates. I did exactly the line I wanted to, so I'm thrilled". And finally the Austrian Bibi Pekarek, thanks to a very fluid run, proved that she was the best snowboarder: "I'm eager to go on the Bec des Rosses now that I have my ticket for Verbier. I'm so happy that I made it". On the other hand, disappointment could be seen in the numerous eyes of the non-qualified riders.
Cyril Neri, at the origin of this qualifications' idea, is enchanted by the results: "The Nissan Sports Adventure Freeride Tour was aiming to allow rookies to qualify for the Xtreme. Today, out of the 14 tickets awarded for the Verbier Xtreme, 6 are rookies !"
So let's see each other on next Thursday in Verbier for the 12th edition of the O'Neill Xtreme by Powerade '07!!!
2007 O’Neill Freeride Quest By Nissan in Flaine Results:
Snowboard Women
1. Pekarek Birgit (Aut)
2. Pahl Elisabeth (Rus)
Snowboard Men
1. Jordan Xavier (Sui)
2. Carron José (Sui)
3. Coudray Alex (Sui)
4. Falco Julien (Sui)
5. Kestenholz Ueli (Sui)
Xavier Jordan in action at the 2007 O’Neill Freeride Quest By Nissan in Flaine