For the first time held an endurance competition in snowkiting. The trail had been so demanding that only the toughest would be able to measure, but there were many who wanted to try: Over one hundred kiters were in the air simultaneously, including the world elite of kitesurfing and snowkiting.
“I have more or less stayed here the last five winters and have never experienced such conditions! The words come from Morten Gjerstad (29), who lives by filming kiting and especially snowkiting. The wind was measured up to 30 seconds meter (108 km / h) in the throws, making conditions difficult, but the more optimal for endurance kite contest Red Bull Ragnarok that Friday was held around the Ørteren snøkite-mekkaet Haugastøl east of Hardangervidda.
Over 100 kiters from 17 countries started the same time and sailed up to 5 rounds in the 14-mile trail, which in no way was simple. Steep slopes, gullies, crests, stones, ice and dense snøføyk were just some of the obstacles that were overcome to be able to measure the toughest kite competition ever held in Norway. The wind rose just before the start caused most of the participants started with a large kiters, so some wrecked with kiters destroyed immediately after the start, while others had to return to the starting area to change. In addition, the wind died at times so much that some participants sometimes chose to run with the kite behind him rather than being drawn from it.
First to overcome the elements and cross the finish line was world champion in snowkiting skiing, Bjørn Kaupang, who grew up on Haugastøl a stone’s throw from where the competition was held. With utforski two kite switching tilbakela the local hero, the total of 70 miles in 2 hours and 57 minutes away. But the total distance has probably been closer to 120 km, then it must be crossed in the wind and the track selection adapted topography. Other Male Terje Halstein farm from the main road was in goal three minutes later in 3.00.01, while Christian Nerdrum was number three on 3.27.41.
Red Bull Ragnarok Clip from Morten Gjerstad on Vimeo.
In snowboarding class was Sigve Botnen (27) from Bø in Telemark who completed four rounds in 3.27.05. Second place was captured by Marek Zach from the Czech Republic that followed heels two seconds after Sigve. In third place came Marius Coucheron from Trondheim on 3.41.41.
The winner in the women’s class was Marianna Voznesskaja from Estonia was the only completed two laps, while Susi May from Germany took second place by completing a lap.
It’s one of the hardest I have ever experienced, “said the winner Bjorn Kaupang. I started with a 13 square meter kite, and when we came up the first hill, I looked over rigged that I had to fight doggedly to be able to complete the first round. Having switched to one nine square was better in two rounds, but when the wind died, I had to switch to the big again, and got some problems towards the end of the race.
Sigve Botnen had some of the same problems: “It blew up so sharply just after the start, the kite my rip when I got to the top of the hill. Luckily I was able to drive down back to the target area and switch to a smaller kite and it turned out that it paid off in the long run even if I had to run a piece, continue telemark no.
The international world masters of kiting on the water, Aaron Hadlow (GBR) and Ruben Lenten (HOL), both started the competition, but had to break along the way due to the harsh conditions and lack of experience on snow – the snøkitet for the first time four days ago.
Results:
Women’s Snowboard
1) Marianna Vaznesskaja (EST) 2 laps
2) Susi Mai (GER) 1 lap
* No female athletes on skis completed an entire round.
Men’s Snowboard
1) Sigve Botnen (NOR) 4 laps, 3.27.05
2) Zach Marek (CZE) 4 laps, 3.27.07
3) Coucheron Marius (NOR) 3.41.41
Men’s Skiing
1) Bjorn Kaupang (NOR) 2.57.07
2) Tens Farm Neck Terje (NOR) 3.00.01
3) Christian Nerdrum (NOR), 3.23.23