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Sarka Pancochova new TTR leader

Sat 14 November 09

Elias Elhardt (GER) and the young Finnish newcomer Enni Rukajaervi walked home with the titles and 500 Swatch TTR Ranking Points, but it was Sarka's fourth place finish in Dachstein that takes the overall lead

Sarka Pancochova new TTR leader ©

After difficult weather conditions in the qualifications on Friday, the Dachstein Glacier presented itself under blue skies for the finals this Saturday. Elias Elhardt (GER) and the young Finnish newcomer Enni Rukajaervi walked home with the titles and 500 Swatch TTR Ranking Points.

From a TTR perspective, two female riders were the most successful at Dachstein, Sarka Pancochova (CZE) and Cheryl Maas (NED). With Sarka’s fourth place finish, she takes over the Tour lead and is now sitting in world number 1 of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour for the first time in her career. Only two years ago, she wouldn’t even have thought that this would be possible. „I hope I can manage to stay there [in World No.1] for longer. I will try to kill it at the European Open.” says Sarka after the event. „I can do that. I have the tricks but sometimes it is just the wrong time or I choose the wrong trick.“

Cheryl Maas (NED), one of the most respected and progressive female riders on the snowboard circuit and former TTR Snowboard World Champion 05/06 finished second at Dachstein and now sits in world number 3 on the Swatch TTR Tour. Cheryl is a girl to watch out for this season because of her steady riding and her plans to attend all major Swatch TTR contests. Sarka and Cheryl will both be going for the Swatch TTR World Champion title so that an exciting season on the women’s side is guaranteed.

Marco Grilc (SLO), who came sixth at the Pleasure Jam, now sits in world number 4 on the Swatch TTR Tour. Marco is stoked to see so many riders from Eastern Europe in the spotlight these days. „Before, there was almost nobody coming from the East. It seems that this part of Europe is developing and getting some facilities for the riders“, Marco explains. Fact is, Sarka and Marco truly represent the Eastern European snowboard scene well. A scene that, according to Grilc, is growing steadily and has many young riders that are hungry for success and will work hard for it. „Once they will achieve this, they will appreciate it more. We will see in the next years“, he concludes.

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