In order to win the world’s most important freeride contest this year, you needed more than exceptional risk-affinity and skiing perfection. Argentina’s Oscar Sosa, only seventh place at the end of the first day, came from behind over the next two days to take victory among 15 of the world’s best freeriders and five selected rookies. His success was due first and foremost to the unique style he celebrated on days two and three. “My colleagues valued clean style over the risky tricks performed by some of the other riders,” was the Argentinean’s post-victory analysis.

The event is traditionally judged by the riders themselves, following long evening sessions studying and evaluating the extensive video footage taken of each ride. Sosa is the first South American winner of Red Bull Snowthrill. More important to him than the 4,000 euros’ prize money is the symbolism of his biggest success to date: “I think it also shows the direction in which freeride skiing is going to go in the future.”

This contest between the world’s best freeriders, almost an institution by now, included jumps covering more than ten meters, garnished with backflips and grabs, as well as perfect lines—and not just the skiing conditions were outstanding, but also the level itself. Even so, Sosa, with his 1,415 points, put quite some distance between himself and the competition: Andrew “Noddy” Gowans of New Zealand, in the lead after the first day, lagged behind by a whopping 134 points (1,281), ahead of Austrian Martin “McFly” Winkler (1,230). The Italian Jacopo Bufacchi—one of those favored to win and, due to several drop-outs, the only local rider—took fifth place and wasn’t satisfied: “I have to admit that I’d rather be standing on the podium.” For 2007, in any case, he’ll be out to make a comeback.


FINAL RESULTS

1. Oscar Sosa (ARG) 1,415 points
2. Andrew “Noddy” Gowans (NZL) 1,281 points
3. Martin “McFly” Winkler (AUT) 1,230 points
4. Bast Blasy (AUT) 1,224 points
5. Jacopo Bufacchi (ITA) 1,195 points
6. Alois Bickel (AUT) 1,142 points
7. Sascha Schmid (SUI) 1,136 points
8. Robin Kaleta (CZE) 1,104 points
9. Jani Pogacar (SLO) 1,060 points
10. William Kocher (FRA) 1,038 points

Detailed results and further information: www.redbullsnowthrill.com