Stefan Gimpl not only claimed the gold medal in the first big air in North America in five years but also secured the crystal globe for the BA World Cup title already after four events. The Salzburg resident scored massive 52.2 points in the final in Quebec (CAN), relegating Slovenia's Marko Grilc and Belgian Seppe Smits to the second and third ranks respectively. More than 15'000 spectators watched the first ever big air World Cup in Quebec City.

In absence of his main rival in the race for the Big Air crown, Peetu Piiroinen (FIN), 29-year-old Gimpl celebrated his third World Cup title after being the season's best in 2006 and 2008. Having started in only 17 World Cups so far, the Austrian freestyle veteran claimed his career's fifth victory. "I really like the fact that I was able to win again after such a long time plus securing the World Cup title already - especially as I had some problems with the kicker in the beginning due to the soft snow. But then it was all good and I got used to the big air time" said Gimpl.

FIS, 21/02/2009

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