NZer Andrew Noddy Gowan 2nd in Red Bull Snowthrill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
21 March 2006

New Zealander Andrew Noddy Gowan took out second place in the Red Bull Snowthrill, in Monterosa, Italy

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The Red Bull Snowthrill is considered the one of the world’s most important freeride events. Competitors were required to have a heavy risk-affinity and spontaneous virtuosity in handling unmanageable situations.

After several weeks of waiting for the right conditions good weather and snow conditions finally prevailed setting the scene for the future of freeskiing. Twenty invited riders (15 pros and 5 rookies) spent three days carving tracks in the snow of the Monterosa ski region near Gressoney, between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. The contest between the world’s best freeriders included jumps that covered more than ten metres, and were garnished with backflips, grabs and perfect lines. The level of expertise on the field showed the experience and enthusiasm of the riders.

Each competitor was judged by a jury made up of riders who evaluated the day’s runs by watching video recordings at the end of each day. The criteria were typical of freeskiing competitions: line selection, control rhythm, technique and aggressiveness.

Gowans lead the pack on the first day of competition however the event was won by Argentinean Oscar Sosa, whose style and inspiration earned him applause and the respect of his fellow riders.

“I really enjoyed the event,” he said. “My colleagues valued clean style over the risky tricks performed by some of the other riders. I think this also indicates the direction in which freeride skiing is going to go.”

FINAL RESULTS
1. Oscar Sosa (ARG) 1,415 points
2. Andrew “Noddy” Gowans (NZL) 1,281 points
3. Martin “McFly” Winkler (AUT) 1,230 points
4. Bast Blasy (AUT) 1,224 points
5. Jacopo Bufacchi (ITA) 1,195 points

Detailed results and further information: http://www.redbullsnowthrill.com/
Images available at www.redbull-photofiles.com

ENDS

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