Beijing’s Shougang Park in the Shijingshan district is gearing up to host a spectacular event in the world of winter sports: the FIS Snowboard and Freeski Big Air World Cup. Scheduled from November 30 to December 2, this competition is set to bring a wave of excitement and athletic prowess to the iconic big air venue.
Leading the event is China’s own Olympic big air champion, Su Yiming, alongside 166 athletes hailing from 24 countries and regions. The event promises to be a display of extraordinary talent and skill, with qualifications for freeski and snowboard scheduled for November 30 and December 1, culminating in the thrilling finals on December 2.
Su Yiming, who has been out of the World Cup circuit since his Olympic triumph in February 2022, will be a major highlight of the event, along with the promising Yang Wenlong. They will spearhead China’s representation in snowboarding. The freeski races will feature some of the sport’s most illustrious names, including Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics gold medalist Birk Ruud from Norway and reigning world champion Tess Ledeux of France.
China’s Liu Mengting, who secured a second-place finish in the women’s freeski slopestyle at the Swiss Freeski Tour in November 2021, is set to compete at the event, aiming for a podium finish. Her participation is not only about personal achievement but also about inspiring more people to engage in ice and snow sports.
American snowboarder Troy Podmilsak, known for his sensational triple 2160 at the 2023 big air world championships, expressed optimism about the weather conditions in Beijing, which are expected to be mildly windy. Podmilsak’s comments come in the wake of the cancellation of the freeski finals at the previous World Cup race due to extreme wind conditions. He anticipates a showcase of amazing jumps and potentially even bigger spins from the world’s best riders.
Roby Moresi, the FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) director of competitive snowboarding, highlighted the significance of hosting the World Cup at the Big Air Shougang venue. The site, which played a pivotal role during the 2022 Winter Olympics, demonstrates sustainability and legacy, now serving as a staple location for future World Cup events. Moresi praised the technicality, dreams, design, and architecture of the venue, lauding it as a first-of-its-kind achievement.
Adding to the sports narrative is Liu Yishan, a snowboarding athlete from Hebei Province and a former gymnast. Despite initial challenges and injuries, Liu’s quality training has boosted her confidence, embodying the sport’s blend of speed and risk.
Beyond the snowboarding and freeski competitions, Shougang Park is set to become a hub of cultural activity. The event will also feature music and fashion fairs, offering an array of music, culinary delights, and entertainment, along with a ski equipment exhibition. This blend of high-octane sports and vibrant cultural festivities makes the FIS Snowboard and Freeski Big Air World Cup at Shougang Park an unmissable event, showcasing the fusion of athletic excellence and cultural celebration.
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