GENERAL ENTHUSIASM
143 athletes
2600 metres of vertical drop in one go
marvellous snow

The 3^rd MONTEROSASKIRIDER, Free-ride Derby with 141 riders from 5 countries, took place in ideal snow conditions (a lot of powder in the upper part of the race) that unfortunately the bad weather (wind, persistent fog and rain in the lower part of the run) did not enhance. According to the programme, the race was divided into two runs: the first one from Passo dei Salati to Pianalunga (on Alagna-Valsesia’s side) and then the second one from Punta Indren to Gressoney-La-Trinité. The 2600 meter of the total vertical drop were really tiring and quite difficult because of the poor visibility.

Nevertheless, the racers enjoyed a wonderful morning of free skiing and of high speed off-piste. The best among them were simply extraordinary on a slope full of bumps and hollows, where they kept on looking for the ideal fall line, in order not to lose speed even in the deep snow. Their times, above all in the second run, which was longer and harder than the first one, are extremely surprising: the first two racers took actually less than 13 minutes!

Nevertheless, the racers enjoyed a wonderful morning of free skiing and of high speed off-piste. The best among them were simply extraordinary on a slope full of bumps and hollows, where they kept on looking for the ideal fall line, in order not to lose speed even in the deep snow. Their times, above all in the second run, which was longer and harder than the first one, are extremely surprising: the first two racers took actually less than 13 minutes!
NEWS - Arrival at a gallop …

The total best time of the two runs, 16 minutes and 43 seconds, is that of the 24-year-old Frenchman NICOLAS ANTHONIOZ who could get the better of highly regarded fellow countrymen such as FREDDY QUENET and LUDOVIC URAS who had already mounted the podium at the competition called “Derby de la Meje”. In Gressoney they came in 2nd and 3rd and they were divided by only one tenth after almost 10 kilometres! The first Italian was CORRADO MINAZZI from Alagna whose total time was 18.03. SOVRANA WELF from Gressoney was the fastest woman with the time of 20.44 (18th position in the general ranking). A smashing time characterised the runs of the Frenchman SEBASTIEN MAYER, the winner in the category “Telemark” (18.57 and 8th position in the general ranking) whose descent was as good and fast as the one of the best alpine skiers.
Because of some flat parts located in the middle of the run, this competition was very difficult and tiring for snowboarders. The two best of them, YANN MICHALLET and DEBORAH ANTHONIOZ took 21.52 and 23.24 respectively.

The winner of the team ranking was the French group LES ROSQUETTES SULFATEUSES (3rd, 4th, 16th) followed by two other teams from France. The first Italian team called LYSKAMM came in 5th with MINAZZI (5th) and Michele ENZIO (10th). Even though the were some falls, only four racers withdrew from the competition. Everyone was full of enthusiasm and wished to do well and to enjoy the snow and a day in pleasant company. At the end of the race a feast for everybody was organised, followed by a rich prize-giving ceremony and the Freeride Party.

We are very pleased with the successful organisation of the only free-ride competition in Italy during this season. Because of the bad snow conditions characterising this winter, the few other events had to be cancelled. The Monterosa Ski once again proves a unique holiday resort not to be missed by keen skiers. The same spirit will be found in tomorrow’s MINI RIDER, a competition for the youngest which is characterised by a shorter and easier course. The racers will be about 80, belonging to the different divisions from “Baby” to “Giovani”. A really exciting first time! They should start from Passo dei Salati and arrive at Cimalegna. Some changes may take place, depending on tomorrow’s weather, that will not be very good. Start at 10.30 a.m.