Ledecka and Galmarini triumph in Rogla pgs
Aug 31, 2018·Alpine Snowboard
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Ester Ledecka (CZE) and Nevin Galmarini (SUI) have triumphed in the 2016-17 World Cup season's second parallel giant slalom which was staged in Rogla (SLO) today.
And unlike the previous years before, the Slovenian resort was finally and deservedly blessed with a lot of snow and a blue bird sky which attracted even more spectators to cheer for their local favourites.
While one of them, Rok Flander, finally retired from active racing finishing 17th and another one, Zan Kosir, made it on the podium as third of the men's competition, the big show was delivered by some other carving specialists.
In the men's event, it was Nevin Galmarini standing out. After having been victorious agains Sang-Kyum Kim (KOR), and Sylvain Dufour (FRA), the 2014 Olympic silver medallist also eliminated Kosir to move on to the big finals where he faced defending alpine snowboard overall World Cup champion Radoslav Yankov.
The Swiss racer was able to outpace the Bulgarian athlete with the tiny lead of 0.12 seconds to bring home his career's eagerly anticipated first win in his 88th World Cup start.
“It's just unbelievable. It's so special and very important for me. I have been on the podium a few times but this... Every summer I train so hard doing it to finally win a World Cup race. Now this dream has come true. I'm super happy,” he said.
His rival Yankov, who was so close to earn his career's third, stated: “Everything was perfect until the very last gates. I felt good during the runs before but then made some minor mistake at the end. So, I'm a little bit disappointed.”
However, the rider from Chepelare, who had turned 27 two days ago, also knew: “But still, I'm happy with my second place, it's been perfect advertising for my home races next week. So, I hope that a lot of people come to Bansko to support me at site.”
The ski resort nestling at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and latest addition to the World Cup calendar, will play host to two parallel giant slalom races therefore becoming the second ever snowboard World Cup stop in Bulgaria.
Ledecka takes makes it three in Rogla
With expectations high in Bansko, it's not clear yet if women's World Cup leader Ester Ledecka will make it there as the Czech superstar plans to compete in the St. Moritz alpine skiing world championships and has to define her travel itinerary.
However, “I would love to compete in Bansko,” she said after winning the women's finals.
It's been the third time after 2014 and 2016 for her to triumph in Rogla with five World Cup events having been staged on the Jasa slope so far.
Ledecka, who is dreaming of winning medals in both, alpine skiing and snowboarding, at PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games kept hold to her title by beating Germany's Carolin Langenhorst, who earned her career's first podium.
“It's always a tough race here as it is an hill which is easy – and that makes is so hard to succeed. All the riders are on the very same level. There are only some very small differences.
You have to have a good tech and team behind you and be very good prepared in order to go every run as fast as you can,” she explained before adding that “I don't have a special secret. I'm just focusing on every single run trying to be the first one down in the finish.”
Ina Meschik finished in third position after coming out successful of an all Austrian small final against her teammate Claudia Riegler.
Results
Full results of this season's second pgs World Cup staged at Rogla can be viewed online.
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