PenkenBattle 2023 – Freestyle is back at PenkenPark
After a two-year break from the PenkenBattle, the freestyle athletes were finally able to show what they're made of again. More than 80 international participants have decided to make the pilgrimage to Mayrhofen in the beautiful Zillertal for the comeback of the PenkenBattle as a FIS Cup. Fully motivated athletes were ready to shred the medium and advanced lines - designed by Ryan Highton - and to compete within the crème de la crème of freestyle sports. On top: Bluebird from the beginning to the end of the event in the PenkenPark - that undoubtedly made last Sunday an unforgettable shred experience.
Open air playground with a fantastic setup
The freestyle spot in Mayrhofen is very well known and highly coveted by the international snowboard & freeski community, which was also clearly evident at the PenkenBattle. Participants from Great Britain, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia and more shredded the set-up with the most stylish tricks and caused a lot of amazement and admiration. Also the young Austrian elite did not let down the expectations of their fans and convinced the judges and the audience to a high degree.
Park designer Ryan Highton and his crew of shapers fine-tuned the medium and advanced lines for the contest on February 12th, making all riders 100% stoked for the massive freestyle event: “This year's setup is incredibly well shaped, the kickers are great and the whole atmosphere just makes you want to shred,” said snowboard overall winner Lenny Fenning (GBR). The medium contest line shone with a 1/3 tube in the upper area, followed by 2 nicely shaped kickers and a 5m flat/down box. The advanced contest line impressed with a down rail and also 2 steezy kickers with tables from 5 to 15 meters and an industry rainbow rail in the final area. The girls and boys thanked him with sick tricks like a cork 9, switch 7, and some double corks.
Highlights
It almost seemed as if the drinks from Red Bull actually gave the riders wings, because the adrenaline and skill levels of all participants were at least as high as the hype of the audience. In addition to prizes such as a brand new pair of ATOMIC skis, TSG helmets, Pinetime hoodies and other goodies from Blue Tomato and Boardriding, a BURTON Ambassador Package and prize money totaling €2,500 were also awarded to the winners. In addition, the top finishers received valuable FIS points for future competitions in FIS formats as well as European or World Cups.
Briton Lenny Fenning was the winner of the day in the Snowboard Men Overall category, followed by Ethan Smith and Dante Brcic. Among the snowboard girls, Laura Zaveska (1st place), Hanna Karrer (2nd place) and Mia Langridge (3rd place) convinced the judges with their performance.
Ethan Owen, Nicolas Nyvelt and Benedikt Toth were named the best in the Snowboard Grom Men, right next to Hanna Karrer, Ilvy Paul and Valentina Frischhut as the best in the Snowboard Grom Women.
Check out all the recap photos and video clips from the contest on Facebook and Instagram! A big thank you goes out to all sponsors and partners of the PenkenBattle and the host Mountopolis. We are already looking forward to the next PenkenBattle, until then #staytuned and #staytrue!
>>> Click here for the complete list of results <<<
via QParks