Before the actual departure, I have been notified that the race has been postponed because of bad weather by one day, but it was not problem since we planned to stay a couple days longer. After a really long journey which was endless about 1400 kilometers from Ostrava, we arrived into town Gaby, located in the valley which was about 30min away from the first lift of the resort. Thanks to the lowest prices for the accomodation we decided to say right there.

Upon arrival at the destination, I had plenty of time for myself to take a look around and discover what the snow conditions are. The day before dumped about 15 to 20 cm of new snow which was just enough to cover the rocks hidden right below the new layer. On the other hand in some places it was much more snow that it seemed to be which was sometimes incomprehensible. Since I knew from last year where the qualification took place, I was glancing, looking, taking pictures of possible lines which would take me to the final. I took a pictres of the face from several angles, which came handy for the evening's  rider analysis. After two days of of easy riding came a rider’s meeting from a crazy organizer who, sometimes spoke like he learnt english the day before. Anyway after that we all went to sleep and were looking forward for the first day of qualifycation.

It did not take long when the first stress come across to me. Probably the last 5 minutes of my sleeping, I was wondering where is my BIB (the starting number). I did not hesitate and made a thought processes, which has evaluated the worst possible option which was that I forgot it at the bar where the meeting was taking place. I decided as quickly as possible pack up my stuff and went to the bar, which was fortunately open, and where I found the bag with my BIB luckily. Then everything went smoothly. Thru the lifts  we all gradually got the mountain, where each of us was finishing with selection of the right line.

From my experience I was choosing a line which I can for sure finish without any crach and which could possibly take me to the final. At the top steep part section, I chose a small drop then little bigger drop at the bottom section. Robin chose something similar. At the top he took a couple of "lady jumps" and at the bottom planned tu jump very luxury cliff, which was at the landing covered by rocks around what made a good snow on landing. John took in the upper passages kuolar and then at the lower chutte with subsequent departure to finish.

As a first rider from the Czech Republic went Robin, who passed comfortably top part and continuing to bottom part. At the exit point of the bottom jump he slided layer of snow which rolled into the impact place. Robin therefore did not hesitate and jump into it which created a great spectacle for judges. After the landing he went slightly on the back and then went straight to the finish where he got sciatica afterwards he jump that cliff I guess. Organizators gave him an injections in the butt after he reported to them. While he was receiving an injection another rider John was ready to go. But ufortunately at the top chutte he lost his ski, which after a few steps uphill foud and put on again. Then he continued with an idea as no passing rider to the final. Then I had my turn to shine. I went upper part  absolutely under control over my ski. The middle part too with no problem where I paid an extra attencion on technique until I approached to the final cliff which was crucial . Upon arrival to that section I took a little traverse to the left in order to find the right point of the jump. After a small traverse over the rocks I suddenly lost my right ski which I realized after two meters. Immediately it is clear to me that everything what I came for is gone. The flash thought: "ShouId I drop it without one ski, jury may not notice it? Overwhelming stupidity did immediately disappear. I turn around and with my ski pole I grab my ski. After putting it on I dop the jump on which I have low speed, but even so, I stump it and entirely disappointed went to finish. Videos of David and Robin (who also provided video from headcam are under this text). John’s line was not unfortunately recorded.

The results are clear. I and John are not classified because of lost skis. Robin ended 8 and could attend in finals where he was second last year and thus vindicate his second place.

Final day took place on other side of the mountain, where we after arrival quickly and clearly choose our line even thought it was a fiction for me and for Robin, who because of back pain has not taken part in. Finally the final did not bright as a good spectacle as we awaited. Mayebe coy from the perspective of viewers, we were probably just more critical than usual.

Monte Rosa one of the Italian resort, where freeride is allowed again hosted a great FWTQ. Although some of us took away the disappointment, I hope that we also took some experience from it for example is better not to  underestimate technic. Check the binding settings isworth it, because DIN set at 14 when I thought is 15 may possibly play a bigger role than you think.

Text: David Knybel


Results:

Ski Muži:
1.    JEREMIE HEITZ - SUI
2.    JOONAS KARHUMAA – FIN
3.    RICHARD AMACKER - SUI
Ski Ženy:
1.    ANNA KANKEVITCH – RUS
2.    HANNA FISHER – AUS
3.    ANNE MAY SLINNING - NOR
Snowboard Muží:
1.    Francesco Fersuoch (ITA
2.    Berny Stoll (GER)
3.    Cathomas Stefan (SUI)
Snowboard Ženy:
1.    KAISA HÄRKÖNEN - FIN
2.    VIVIAN AASEN - NOR
3.    MIKAELA HOLLSTEN - FIN

Video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5ke2ahZhlM