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2009 TEVA EXTREME OUTDOOR GAMES 
This years TEVA extreme outdoor games was held on the 10-14th of June in Italy. Known for some of the most extreme White Water in Europe, outdoor fanatics form all over the world gathered in the stunning valley of Val Chiusella and Ivrea area for competitions in Kayak, Running, MTB and Bouldering.
For the White Water competitors the first event started deep in the valley of Val Chiusella, a long distance race on the River Chiusella itself. The race was held on one of the more difficult and challenging sections of the river which included a drop of 8-10 meters over a stretch of grade 4-5 white water. Last years overall winner Honza Lasko form CZ took the top spot, closely followed by Mike Dawson of NZ in second and Peak UK paddler Jakobus Stenglein in third.
The sprint, slalom and boater cross competition was held on the White Water stadium of Ivrea, 1.5hrs northwest of Milan. Slalom was the first event, set up by a former slalom paddler from Italy, a challenging course meant this could separate the best paddlers. The sprint was next with 2 runs counting and the pushy white water made it difficult for 2 clean runs. Dejan Kraly form SLO won the Slalom and the sprint was dominated by the Italians.
The best event for spectators and the camera crews was the Boater Cross, watching the 40 competitors battle it out to make the final in a mass down stream sprint. The top 4 made it through to the final starting from a ramp with every competitor having to make 2 eddies en route to the finish line and the podium. It was Peak UK's Jakobus Stenglein from GER who managed to race to victory finishing in a well deserved 1st place.
The overall results went to Luka Stricelj from SLO in third place, Mike Dawson from NZ in second place and this years title was taken by Dejan Kraly from SLO.
Words by Jakobus Stenglein, Photos by Arnd Schaeftlein.
(Posted on the 19th Jun 2009 by timb) |
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