. world ski news : Olafsen and Fuchs win snowboard cross in Leysin (SUI) - 02 February 2008 - 12:07
Helene Olafsen (NOR) and Mario Fuchs (AUT) won the fourth snowboard cross in the NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup 2007/2008. Helene Olafsen beath the French Diane Thermoz Liaudy in the A final. Tanja Frieden and snowboard cross World Cup leader Mellie Francon (both SUI) finished third and fourth, respectively, on the “Chaux de Mont” course in Leysin (SUI). On the men's side, Mario Fuchs scored already his second World Cup victory during the current season, after his initial victory in Bad Gastein (AUT). In the grand final, he left Germany's David Speiser and his teammate Lukas Gruener behind.
As expected, the top-riders delivered hard duels on the demanding race track, especially Mario Fuchs and David Speiser: They challenged each other already from the quarterfinals on. “These were some hart matches against David, but it was a lot of fun although it was very difficult to compete today due to the poor sight”, stated Mario Fuchs after the final. “The grand final was really exciting”, added Fuchs. “It was a real fight in the first curve, almost kamikaze. Then after the second bank, I was suddenly leading and just kept on accelerating and it worked out perfectly. I'm very happy right now.”
It was not less thrilling in the ladies final. “I had a really bad start today, but tried to keep up with the other girls. Then Mellie (Francon) fell and I took the lead”, explained Helene Olafsen. “I felt good today and hoped to fight for the victory” added the young Norwegian, who achieved her first podium of the current season.
FIS news
2.02.2008