Svetlana Boldykova (RUS) and Benjamin Karl (AUT) have claimed victory in today's fifth parallel giant slalom of the 2010 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup. While the Russian rider was able to edge off her team mate Alena Zavarzina to the second rank thus celebrating her second World Cup win, Benjamin Karl clinched his third consecutive victory on the 610 metres long course in Stoneham, Quebec, Canada.

Just like at the World Cup leader's first triumph on the very same hill, Andreas Prommegger (AUT) finished as runner up. Jasey Jay Anderson (CAN) came in third by crossing the finish line ahead of Marc Iselin (SUI) in the small finals. On the ladies side, Nathalie Desmares (FRA) rounded out the podium while the new leader of the Parallel World Cup ranking Fraenzi Maegert-Kohli (SUI) was forced to settle for fourth.

Due to his career's seventh World Cup win Benjamin Karl has impressively underlined that he is a top bet for the up-coming major event in Vancouver. In his 50th World Cup start the 24-years-old was not only able to end the winning streak of the Canadian men's team (four wins in a row) but also was just glad that "I was able to beat all of my main rivals. This is important for my confidence. And in addition, it shows that I'm in a good shape" the reigning Parallel Slalom World Champion said.

And the form was important on today's course which was a very challenging one: "It was the most difficult slope we had so far. It was icy and sometimes really bumpy which shook you around" he added. One of those bumps lead into misfortune for his contender in the men's final. With only four gates to clear and both riders even Andreas Prommegger was "thrown" off the line. "I hit a bump which took me out" Prommegger explained after his career's 15th podium finish. "But I had to risk everything in order to keep my chance for victory. But I'm not disappointed at all as Benji (Benjamin Karl) was for sure the best man out there today."

First ever 1-2 for Russian ladies

The best lady of today's PGS represented the colours of Russia. In the first ever sole Russian final in the history of the Snowboard World Cup Svetlana Boldykova was the one to triumph after her team mate Zavarzina went down several times in the final. "I'm super happy" the 2005 WCS PGS runner-up said also adding that "it felt like Russian Championships. I'm very proud that I was able to win this first."

But to celebrate this first 1-2 for the Russian ladies, a large helping of fortune was needed as Alena Zavarzina had already content herself with starting in the small finals. In her semi final, she was way behind of her contender but with only three gates left to go, Fraenzi Maegert-Kohli went down: "I hit a bump and fell. I couldn't react on this which is pretty disappointing" the reigning PSL World Champion commented.

Due to this, Alena Zavarzina crossed the finish line surprised and stunned. And even after she had lost the final, which nevertheless brought her the second podium finish of her career, the 20-years-old was still shaking her head. "I had so much luck. This is ridiculous. Especially as I was riding beyond my level. I for sure can do way better."

The LG Snowboard FIS World Cup continues next week in Calgary bringing a monster Saturday with two finals including the only Slopestyle of the season and a night halfpipe contest - all on January 30th.

FISsnowboard.com
Monday 25 January 2010

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