The 20th Ice Climbing World Cup took place in Saas Fee last weekend. In a tense lead final, the Swiss Yannick Glatthard won his first World Cup title in front of a home crowd. At the competition we talked to Pascal Brönimann from Outdoor Research (OR), main sponsor of the event and manufacturer of technical equipment, about the legendary party and why OR supports the World Cup.
For the 20th anniversary of the Saas-Fee Ice Climbing World Cup, the SAC Swiss Ice Climbing Team is causing a huge sensation: With Sina Goetz (Mastrils GR), Vivien Labarile (Niedergesteln VS), Yannick Glatthard (Meiringen BE), Nikolay Primerov (Muri BE) and Kevin Huser (Widen AG) five Swiss athletes climbed into the lead final on Saturday evening - more than ever in the history of the World Cup in the 10-storey car park.
A comeback like in a fairy tale
After a one-year break, Yannick Glatthard regained the competition fever this season. His return to the World Cup could not have been better. The qualification and the semi-finals of Saas-Fee finished the Bernese Oberlander on the 1. Intermediate place. In the final of the Top 8, Glatthard is the last athlete to tackle the final route and offers the Hexenkessel of Saas-Fee a spectacular performance, which he concludes with the top and a sensational best time.
"I feel great. The fact that I can celebrate my first World Cup title in front of a home crowd is simply unbelievable. The atmosphere here in Saas-Fee is sensational. I have never experienced something like that."
Yannick Glatthard
With the 3. Nikolay Primerov's rank and Glatthard's second Swiss athlete on the podium. Second is Nikolai Kuzovlez (RUS). The third Swiss finalist, Kevin Huser (Widen AG), occupies the 8. Final Standings.
Place 2 for Sina Goetz
Sina Goetz, who graduated last summer and puts everything on her feet this year, convinces with a great final route, which she finishes with the top. Woonseon Shin (KOR), like the Swiss, reaches the top, but 32 seconds faster on the way and thus secures the title. Sina Goetz celebrates her first World Cup place with rank 2. Han Na Rai Song (KOR) is third. Vivien Labarile, the second Swiss finalist, finishes the competition on the 7. Final Standings. The local hero celebrates her first World Cup Final in Saas-Fee and a big milestone in her career.
Team Russia leaves the competition in the shade when speed climbing
As expected, the athletes from Russia dominated the speed competition, which was held on Friday. There was a purely Russian podium for both women and men. In the women's race Valeriia Bogdan beat Ekaterina Koshcheeva and Natalia Savitskaia. The duel of the men was decided by Anton Nemov. In places 2 and 3 followed Vladislav Iurlov and Nikolai Kuzovlez. Although the podium finishes were out of reach for the two Swiss athletes, Vivien Labarile and Jonathan Brown achieved good results with places 9 and 13.
Interview with Pascal Brönimann from Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research is a Seattle-based manufacturer of technical equipment. The 20. Ice climbing World Cup in Saas Fee supports her as main sponsor. Why this event and this discipline?
As a specialist in the development of apparel and accessories for alpinists, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, Outdoor Research is globally engaged as the main sponsor of the UIAA Ice Climbing Series. Through this sponsorship Outdoor Research promotes climbing sport and especially strengthens the ice climbing community. Saas Fee was certainly a highlight in the entire tour.
The event in Saas Fee is sometimes also known for the party after the competition. What makes this party so special?
Everyone must have experienced it themselves. What happens in Saas Fee remains in Saas Fee.
What fascinates you most about ice climbing?
The combination of power and elegance as well as the incredibly precise handling of ice tools.
Which of your products do you recommend to every ice climber and ice climber?
The Mixalot Glove. The ideal glove for drytooling and mixed climbing in dry and not too cold conditions. Thanks to the exceptionally good grip ice tools can be kept energy-saving and soulful. The pre-formed elastic neoprene cuffs can be adjusted with a Velcro fastener. Practical pull loops make it easier to slip in.
Merci for the interview, Pascal.
Now win one of five down jackets
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Credits: pictures Rainer Eder