Big Air World Cup back in Stockholm / Top line-up in Sweden’s capital

The 2009 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup is going to the second round in the Big Air discipline. After the kicker aces rocked London about one month ago, the second Big Air of the current season takes place in Stockholm on November 22nd, 2008. For the third time in a row, the 1912 Olympic stadium is the venue for the snowboard show where more than 70 riders from 14 nations will compete in making the event, which is part of the LG Winterjam, a highlight within all in-city-contests. Also in 2008, the admission is free!

Top pros from all over the world

In front of this outstanding scenery, the local heroes will try to bring home the first ever podium spot in Sweden’s capital in just a few days. Besides Chris Soerman, Kevin Baeckstroem and Jonas Carlson – to name just a few of the Swedish rider front – Jonathan Nilsson will give it another shot to make it in the top 3 as he was the best “Tre Kronor” representative last year finishing fifth.

But it will be a difficult task to undertake as once again an outstanding international opposition made its way to Scandinavia. Besides the former Stockholm winners Matevz Petek (SLO, 2006) and Janne Korpi (FIN, 2007) the young Finn’s fellow countrymen are among the aspirants for the 2008 title. With Antti Autti, Risto Mattila, Peetu Piiroinen and Sami Saarenpaa four more ripper from the big Finnish armada are ready to repeat last winter’s total podium sweep.

Second round in the title duel?

In addition, Stefan Gimpl (AUT) is expecting something as he followed Peetu Piiroinen, who won the opener of the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup Big Air series, as runner-up in London. It will be interesting if Stockholm will provide a similar showdown and if those two big names or anyone else of the almost 75 riders will claim victory. Besides Benedikt Nadig who rounded out the podium in London his Swiss team mate Stephan Maurer could be able to jump in one of the first ranks. The same is true of Domen Bizjak (SLO) and the Norwegian squad with Tore Holvik, Roger Kleivdal, Kim-Andre Eliasen, Gjermund Braaten and Ulrik Badertscher who all proved at least once that they have something down pat.

TV times:

The show in the historic arena will start at 12 noon with the first qualification heat, followed by the second one at 2:30 PM. The ten best riders will enter the final at 5:00 PM. SVT will broadcast the one hour lasting battle for the crown live. Eurosport 2 will show a live delayed signal from 6:30 PM on.