350 kiters coming from around thirty nations were formed around the icy mountain plains of Hardangervidda on Norway, in order to participate from the world´s largest and hardest snowkite competition. Within a few hours the weather conditions gone from sunny and windy, into gloomy without any wind at all, till it finally started again. Picking the right kite and technique was the main element to success, and Peter Martel (CAN) was the very first male snowboarder to successfully pass the tip line right after 5 laps – completing the path of 100 kilometers in 4 hours and 49 minutes.
”My beginning really was tough, I needed to run and walk on kneedeep snow, and it was truly sweating and struggling. I were able to take lead, however my steering line broke around my final lap, and so I fell behind once again, and needed to tie a knot and make use of my lines in the most effective way. It had been the most challenging race I’ve ever been in” says Peter Martel.
This year’s edition of Red Bull Ragnarok is the 6th, and also the level of competition is developing every year. 350 individuals appears as a new record, accumulating kiters throughout the whole world, with thirty various countries coming from all continents.
”I love it, even though I can’t feel my nose. It was hard, gusty and light wind, but I almost made it two and half laps, 50 kilometers in total. I’m really happy with that, and I’ll definitely train more and come back next year” says Alaa Al Dandachli from Dubai, UAE.
Among the global participants were a few of the world’s renowned riders, such as the youngest world champion on kitesurfings history, Gisela Pulido (22) coming from Spain. Red Bull Ragnarok was her 3rd time ever kiting in snow, and regardless of being in the world´s top notch of kiting, Red Bull Ragnarok was among the most difficult kite races she had ever took part in.
“I’m really stoked that I was able to compete in Red Bull Ragnarok, it was a sick experience. It didn’t go as planned because the wind was super light and I was using my freestyle gear, but next year I’ll come more prepared to perform better. Now is time to enjoy the Norwegian vibes, have some good food, and snowkite tomorrow if there is wind” says Pulido.
The hard course and altering climate conditions is a big portion of the Red Bull Ragnarok concept – merely the roughest riders will be successful, and stamina is the vital thing.
Overall results:
Men ski:
1. Florian Gruber (GER), 2. Bjørn Kaupang (NOR), 3. Felix Kersten (GER)
Men snowboard:
1. Peter Martel (CAN), 2. Reinhold Gehrer (AUT) 3. Josh Barker (CAN)
Women ski:
1. Steph Bridge (UK) 2. Camilla Ringvold (NOR), 3. Eugenia Gueorguieva (USA)
Women snowboard:
1. Marie-Eve Mayrand (CAN), 2. Marit Nore (NO) 3. Manuela Jungo (SUI)
