This weekend the Austrian machine that is Stefan Gimpl pushed himself further into the FIS Snowboarding World Cup Big Air with his third victory in a row, this time in Stockholm Sweden. The 1912 Olympic stadium was packed with 20,000 spectators providing a roaring crowd for the big names as they threw their throwingest in the slightly sketchy conditions. Coming closely behind The Gimp was Marko Grilc of Slovenia (50.8 and 50.5 were the first and second scores) and sliding into third was Norwegian Gjermund Braaten.

Stefan clinched the title with very clean front and cab 9s and commented:
“I don’t understand it. I don’t know why I’m on a roll. Especially as I’m always so nervous on top of the start that I can hardly stand. But when I’m in the in-run everything is blown off.”

Marko was also pleased with his narrowly placed second. The only other rider to keep a clean slate his finals tricks included a double cork backside 10 and front 9. Despite missing out on his first World Cup victory by only 4 tenths he explained “it’s not easy for the judges. Therefore, I’m stoked that I landed my tricks.” In the past it has been mentioned that perhaps the FIS judging is possibly foccussed more towards cleanliness of the tricks and landing as opposed to ambition or technicality.

Both riders explained how the conditions worked well for them. “When the conditions are getting rough, it’s challenging. And I like this. This is fun,” said Grilc.

Swiss rider Gian-Luca Cavigelli who had been hot on the heels of Stefan Gimpl in both of the preceding rounds had to be satisfied with fourth place after a couple of early mistakes but still remains as Stefan’s nearest rival in the overall leader board.

The next round of the Big Air will take place in Seoul, Korea on December 13th, the first time the tour has taken to Asian soil.