Lienz has always been well worth the travel. Being surrounded by majestic mountain scenery and legendary whitewater runs, it is also the location for the annual “Dolomiten Mann”, a demanding relay outdoor race between teams that consist of a trail runner, paraglider, mountainbiker and paddler.
Pictures by Philipp Hitzigrath, Seppi Strohmeier and Arnd Schaeftlein
This year, Lienz was chosen as third event for the Euro Cup serious and so a number of freestyle kayakers were gathering on the river Drau close to town center for yet another showdown. While in Plattling and Čunovo either waterlevels or weather conditions were amendable, this time everything should be at best. Only the freezing water temperature due to the close glacier sources made the paddlers wear dry pants and scull caps.
The playspot itself can be characterized as powerful and deep hole making all new school moves possible. Big airial loops, McNasties and Phonics Monkeys wowed the crowed throughout the whole competition.
And particularly during K1 men finals, hot excitement was in the air. Peter Csonka and Simon Strohmeier were leading with equal points after the second round, hitting rides packed with one highscore move after the other, when James Bebbington in his lightweight carbon kayak performed an explosion of airial manouvers rotating around all axes so that none of the spectators kept on their seat.
Another classic happening during the weekend was the Teva cardboard race, where anyone could let his imagination run wild and build a boat just out of cardboard and duct tape. But not only creative design and style were determining the winner. Only those who managed to pass the playhole in their boats and avoided sinking right afterward got a chance to get hold of one of the sought-after prizes.
Lienz definitely proofed that it offers a dignified spot for the upcoming European Championships held there next year. A big thank you goes to Laola Lienz for the perfect organization and Tatonka for providing cardboards for the race.
If you want more information about the Euro Cup in Lienz, check out: http://www.eurocup-lienz.com/
Report: Seppi Strohmeier
Photos: Philipp Hitzigrath, Seppi Strohmeier, Arnd Schaeftlein
Location: SinglePost
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