Belgian super talent Seppe Smits pulled a hat trick: The Absolut Park rider did it again and scored his third victory at Spring Battle in a row. With a huge Backside Doublecork 1080° Nosegrab he was able to leave his competitors behind and saved himself not only a large part of the 50.000 US-­‐Dollars price money, but also valuable TTR points for the Big Air Ranking of next season, even before the summer has started. The after party with live-­video judging was again a big success and offered exciting entertainment for all party guests as well as viewers on the live­‐webcast.

Due to consistent snowfall the decision was made to not run a separate qualification, but to give all riders the chance of three runs, best one counts for the final ranking. This way the remaining 18 riders all had the chance to grab one of the top spots of this year's Spring Battle ranking. Anthony Smits injured himself slightly in training and was therefore not able to compete. Seppe Smits, who was able to win the title of the 5 Star World Snowboard Tour contest two years in a row, was successful again and took home another victory. “I am super stoked on my third victory and now ready to hit the after party!”, said Seppe. Although there were strong competitors: Carlos Gerber from Switzerland reached second place with a stylish Frontside Doublecork 1080° Double Grab in front of Norway’s Kim Rune Hansen. His fellow countryman Brage Richenberg missed the podium but nailed fourth place with his second run. Big highlight of the event was the live-­video judging with the following after party at Festsaal Flachau, where the final ranking was determined. The best run of each rider was prepared as a short video-­edit to then be reviewed live by the judges in front of the eyes of the party crowd, by far the most exciting and spectacular way to crown a contest winner.

The Spring Battle 2013 was an overall success: Best park set-­up, a crazy after party, happy riders and enthusiastic spectators. Spring Battle 2014 – we’re ready to kick off!

You can find all further information here www.absolutpark.com.

Results:
1. Seppe Smits (BEL)
2. Carlos Gerber (SUI)
3. Kim Rune Hansen (NOR)
4. Brage Richenberg (NOR)
5. Sondre Tiller (NOR)
6. Markku Koski (FIN)
7. Tor Lundstrom (SWE)
8. Simen Neraker (NOR)
9. Seth Hill (USA)
10. Morten Kleivdal (NOR)
11. Herbert Thaler (AUT)
12. Roman Hausammann (SUI)
13. Ville Uotila (FIN)
14. Rowan Coultas (GBR)
15. Even Solbraa (NOR)
16. Peter Walchhofer (AUT)
17. Max Buri (SUI)
18. Mario Käppeli (SUI)