The Austrian took home the victory at the third of six Big Airs of the NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup due to solid jumps. In the super final, the 28-years-old (29 points) relegated World Cup leader Janne Korpi (FIN, 25) to the second spot and therefore celebrated his season’s first triumph. In the Slovenian battle for third, Matevz Petek (21.9) was able to beat his fellow countryman Domen Bizjak (11.4).

In front of the amazing crowd at the “Square Alexander the First”, the Stefan Gimpl Show had already started with the qualification runs as the rider from SC Leogang paved the way for his career’s second World Cup win earning the highest score. But what followed thereafter can easily be described as impressive Big Air action. In the eight finals, Gimpl knocked out Norway’s Roger Kleivdal and also gave Stephan Maurer (SUI) and Matevz Petek (SLO) no chance later on. Then he had to face Korpi – who had won the last Big Air in Stockholm – in the super final.

And the Finn got down to business right away with a “Cab 10” and 25 points. But Gimpl was on fire answering with the same trick and a better landing earning 29 points. Thus, he only missed the best possible score of 30 points by one.

But that he would perform “1080’s” at all was a surprise for today’s competition ruler: “I didn’t plan the first one in the eight finals. But when it happened I thought to myself ‘Wow, that could be it’. And after Janne (Korpi) had set the level with 25 points in the final, I had to try it.” But although he was unbeatable today, Gimpl stayed moderate: “Well, I had a bit of luck with the seating today. I also liked the kicker because it was pretty steep.” Thereafter he gave the Austrian fans a promise for the next Big Air in Graz on January 5^th, 2008: “Maybe I can do a 1080 there to. That would be amazing in front of all my fellow countrymen. I’m sure that we will provide a good show!”

But Gimpl wasn’t the only one whom the spectators showed respect. Janne Korpi had also impressed with stylish “Cab 9’s and Cab 10’s”. Solely his last jump – when the second best rider of the qualification tried a “Cab 12” – didn’t work out: “Stefan (Gimpl) was riding super strong today and after the score of 29 for him I had to try something. It’s a petty that I bailed the “Cab 12” but I’m pleased with the result.”

More Facts:

Participants:       45 men from 12 nations

Arena:                 Square Alexander the First

Snow:                 300 tons of snow, 600 m³ of snow

Shaper:              Ali Zehetner, Austria

Additional Quotes:

Matevz Petek, Slovenia, Third: “I’m pleased with the result although I wasn’t that good today. But I wasn’t able to ride the last month because I hurt my right knee in Dachstein. Therefore, I’m happy that I could compete today but I will try to do better at the last three Big Airs of the season.”