The 2021 World Rookie Finals went down in Hintertux Glacier, at the Betterpark Snowpark, in the best weather conditions with a blue sky and a perfect snow. Almost fifty participants gained to conquer the World Rookie Tour Champion title, battling in a slopestyle course consisted by three tables with different kickers and one table with three jib obstacles at the end. Judges scored each rider using overall impression.
It was a close race, where the male rookie James Kanzler (USA) claimed the victory and the World Rookie Champion Title with a left double cork 10 safety grab, right double cork 12 mute grab, switch right bio 9 rail grab, on the jump, finished with a right 270 pretzel 270 on the last obstacle. Axel Burmansson from Sweden and Ralph Konnor from the USA completed the male rookie podium.
14 years old Muriel Morh, one of Germany’s great hopes for the future and one of the younger in the comp, dominated the Girls category in which rookies and groms competed all together. She stomped a switch left 540 safety grab, right 720 safety grab to left cork 720 blunt grab, Front 270 out on the last rail. Jenna Riccomini from the USA was second and Jade Michaud from France third.
Among the grom category, Andreas Penz from Austria arrived first thanks to his run: left double cork 720 safety grab, right misty 540 safety grab, switch left cork 540 japan grab, front 450 out. Andreas gained the prestigious Golden Ticket to enter for free every World Rookie Tour stops in the next season 2021.22. Timothé Roch from France and Lars Luchti from Switzerland conquered the second and third places.
Our World Rookie Champions, male and female, were both awarded with a spot for 2021.22 FIS World Cups Slopestyle, invitation for the 2022 Spring Battle at the Absolut Park and for the 2021.22 Hintertux Opening, and an invitation to a Red Bull Experience to be announced soon. Other participants where awarded with surf week with our historic partner SurftoLive.com and with many goodies from all our sponsors.
WOMEN
1. Muriel Mohr, GER, 89.67
2. Jenna Riccomini, USA, 85.00
3. Jade Michaud, FRA, 81.33
GROM MEN (2006-2007)
1. Andreas Penz, AUT, 65.67
2. Timothé Roch, FRA, 64.67
3. Lars Ruchti, SUI, 60.33
ROOKIE MEN (2003-2005)
1. James Kanzler, USA, 91.33
2. Axel Burmansson, SWE, 89.67
3. Ralph Konnor, USA, 88.33
As you know, World Rookie Tour is not just about competition, and for the Black Yeti is important to engage the entire participant in lifestyle and social activities. That’s why the event was organized under a strict Covid Security Protocol to create a safety bubble and allow the organization of side activities. During the event took place a workshop about “Wood Photo Printing” by Andreas Monsberger, where they learned how to print a real picture in a piece of wood, making real artworks. The program also included “Avalanche Clinic” with theoretical and practical parts run by MOON Agency.
All the World Rookie Tour organization would like to thank you all for the determination and for the support for our project. We hope to see you next year in better conditions, and we remember you all that the World Rookie Finals will continue now with the Snowboard Section until on May 2nd.
Below you can watch all the winning runs of our Champions!
World Rookie Champion Freeski - Winning Run
World Rookie Girl Champion - Winning Run
World Rookie Grom Champion - Winning Run
Photo: Andreas Amplatz
Text: quattro media GmbH
