SNOWBOARD BIG AIR, 7.10.2007, Rotterdam (NED). The reigning NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup big air title holder Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) celebrated victory in the season opening for the jump aces, thereby stressing that he is again the man to beat this season. In the final, the 20-year-old rider performed a Cab 1080 relegating Stefan Gimpl of Austria to the second spot. In front of 25'000 spectators next to the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, Gimpl led after the first jump but couldn't respond to Piiroinen although he landed a Frontside 1080 for the first time in competition. In the battle for the third rank, vice World Champion Antti Autti (FIN) successfully competed against Stephan Maurer of Switzerland.

Peetu Piiroinen (FIN), Credit: FIS

Although Piiroinen was a favorite for victory, he was surprised about his great start into the new season: “I took a long break in the summer and just trained a bit indoors. So, I didn't ride that much.” But despite the lack of on-snow training, the Finnish young gun had no problems to claim his career-fourth World Cup victory in the new contest format allowing a winning trick to be repeated only once during the finals: “I like the new format because everyone has to show even more of their abilities. It was a great contest.”

Big Air Ramp in Rotterdam, Credit: FIS

Second-ranked Stefan Gimpl stated: “This is the best start in the season we ever had. It was a dream come true for me because it was the first time ever I landed a 1080 in competition.”

Stefan Gimpl (AUT), Credit: FIS

When asked about the upcoming season, the 2006 FIS World Cup champion said: “Today, Peetu (Piiroinen) and I were the best. But this winter, we'll see many young and very strong riders in the World Cup. It will be very interesting. There are a few who'll be able to beat Peetu.”

FIS press release
7.10.2007