For the third season in a row, the 2009 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup will stop for a Big Air right in front of the State University in Moscow. In addition, it’s the second time that the disciplines’ World Cup finals will be held in the Russian capital to crown the new World Cup title holder. On March 7th, right after the last Big Air competition’s night final of this winter, Stefan Gimpl who successfully kept hold on his title by winning the last event in Quebec, Canada, just a few weeks ago will receive his career’s third Crystal Globe. The freestyle veteran will be awarded in front of a phenomenal setting. Last year, more than 25’000 spectators watched the contest which was won by no other than World Championships Bronze medallist Gimpl.

In three days, about 50 riders coming from more than ten countries will meet again in Moscow in order to seek this Saturday’s best one. But it’s not only about the victory. It’s also time for bringing about a decision of who will be the second and third of the season’s ranking behind of Gimpl (3100 points). According to the current standings, even Anton Bilare (490) who is sitting in 19th place could make it to the runner-up position occupied so far by Peetu Piiroinen (FIN), 1450 who won’t enter the competition in Russia. However, it’s a Slovenian who has the best chance to edge off the Finnish pro. So far fifth ranked Marko Grilc (1040) underlined already in Quebec that he is able to go for it as he jumped on the podium finishing second.

When it comes down for the showdown in the final of the best riders, the Norwegian squad has to be taken into account as three of them made it in the top-7 at the Quebec Big Air two weeks ago – including Per-Iver Grimsrud and Kim-Rune Hansen who will start again as well as Stian Aannestad and Sindre Iversen, the 2008 third place finisher in Moscow. In addition, Matevz Petek (SLO) who is still waiting for his season’s first podium and Pim Stigter (NED), Michael Macho (AUT), Iouri Podladtchikov and Thomas Franc (both SUI) as well as Finnish rippers like Risto Mattila, Markus Malin and Sami Saarenpaa will show their skills, too.

The 2009 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup Big Air finals will be broadcast live on Eurosport2 and Sport Klub (SLO + CRO).

---