RABANSER AND STUFFER TRIUMPH AT THE 2017 GARDENISSIMA

Alexander Rabanser delivered a blistering display of skill on the pistes of Val Gardena to finish ahead of Luca and Jonas Senoner. Christof Innerhofer had the best time overall, but he was disqualified for missing a gate. The women’s category was topped by Verena Stuffer who held sway over Nicol and Nadia Delago.

A total of 650 skiers from 16 nations lined out for the event

The 21st edition of the Südtirol Gardenissima, the world’s longest giant slalom, delivered thrills and spills aplenty as it brought the Alpine skiing season to a fittingly exciting close today. The stunning backdrop of the Dolomites combined with the warmth and enthusiasm of the spectators helped boost the already-spectacular performances of the athletes as they started their descent from the top of Monte Seceda and then shot down the piste (shortened for safety reasons) to the finish-line in the Costes area. 

The fastest of the 650 participants was the italian Alexander Rabanser who stopped the clock in 2'17.85. 2"72 behind him was Luca Senoner, while Jonas Senoner finished third in a time of 2'21.84.

There was huge excitement too around the participation of Kasete Naufahu Skeen, the first Tongan skier to compete in the Alpine Skiing World Championship. He finished his race in a time of 3'05.90, but he was disqualified for missing a gate. 

The women athletes delivered equally impressive performances with Verena Stuffer proving exceptionally skilled at weaving in and out of the gates, to make it first across the line in a time of 2'20.98. Nicol Delago could not catch Stuffer, however, and finished second, 2"91 behind her. The bottom step of the ladies’ podium went to Nadia Delago who crossed the line in a time of 2'24.16.

There was great applause and cheering from the crowd for the large group of Ski Legends as they completed their descent. First of the former champions to cross the line in this special category was Luca Senoner who finished second overall. He was 1"27 faster than Jonas Senoner and Federico Vanz. The first of the women to finish was Regina Haeusl, from Germany,  who triumphed in style over Paola Magoni and Daniela Zini.

Delivering its usual magical mix of music, sport and fun, the Gardenissima once again proved a truly fantastic festival of snow, drawing in and involving everyone from amateur to professional skiers as well as promising young talents and families. And of course, a large group of very appreciative spectators. The fun continues tomorrow with the Südtirol Gardenissima Kids for young skiers born between 2003 and 2010.  

Südtirol Gardenissima 2017
21° Edition – Val Gardena (BZ)

Men's classification:
1. Alexander Rabanser                    (ITA)   2'17.85
2. Luca Senoner                              (ITA)    2'20.57
3. Jonas Senoner                            (ITA)    2'21.84
4. Federico Vanz                              (ITA)   2'21.84

5. Werner Perathoner                      (ITA)    2'26.15

Women's classification:
1. Verena Stuffer                             (ITA)    2'20.98
2. Nicol Delago                                (ITA)    2'23.89
3. Nadia Delago                              (ITA)     2'24.16
4. Macarena Simari Birkner            (ARG)   2'26.19
5. Maria Belen Simari Birkner         (ARG)   2'27.21

For further information: www.gardenissima.eu

Photo by Lukas Runggaldier - www.gardenissima.eu