Nick Pünter claims World Rookie Fest Champion title
The World Rookie Fest in Livigno (ITA) was once again a fun ride!
From January 12th to 16th, 90 riders and 10 nations, girls and boys, Groms and Rookies competed at Mottolino Snowpark in Livigno (ITA) and to aim not only for the victory in 2019’s slopestyle contest, but win an invitational ticket to the official X Games Norway qualification event to be held in Hafjell, Norway, on February the 16th! In the end, it was Nick Pünter from Switzerland, who won this year’s World Rookie Fest Champion title and the ticket to Norway!
After two days of heavy snow falls, the qualifications and the finals took place under a blue sky and in an amazing set up which consisted of three lines: M with four tables, three kickers (eight, ten and twelve meters), a jib crounch box and a pole jam; L with a thirteen meter kicker and a fifteen meter kicker and a cannon box; XL with a eighteen and nineteen meter kickers and a rainbow piramid.
The girls started first and Tina Steffensen (NOR) conquered the highest spot of Rookie podium with her run which included a 50/50 front 260 out, indy, backside 360 melon, frontlip grab. The norwegian won on two riders: Maisie Hill (GBR) and Shirly Kolodziej (SUI). Nick Pünter (SUI) arriving first in the Rookie’s category and he now is only 1 victory away to join the X Games Norway! On the male rookie podium after Nick there were Øyvind Kirkhus (NOR) and Gabriel Almqvist (SWE). Last but not least, Norway conquered the title of best team!