Two hundred intrepid riders, including Daron Rahlves, threw themselves down the slopes of St. Anton am Arlberg last weekend for Red Bull Rally Hüttenrallye. Here is a photographic recap!
On January 28 and 29, Red Bull Hüttenrallye 2012 went down in St. Anton, Austria, and once again it demanded everything from its participants: A track of 1.7km and 540m over Alpine alm ground, leading through and over traditional wooden hey huts (thus “Hütten”rally) had to be mastered in heats of six.
Defending champion, U.S. ski star Daron Rahlves only got to place six this year and had to relinquish the Red Bull Rally Hüttenrallye throne to Tyrolean, Christoph Wahrstötter who demonstrated at the grand final on Saturday, from what kind of wood a skier of the 21st century should be carved.
After many action laden hours, 22-year-old Wahrstötter from Hopfgarten proved to be the toughest, swiftest and most alert skier of the weekend. Christoph’s prize was a Suzuki Swift: “If I had known, I would have come by train,” laughed the ÖSV-runner.
Daniel Riegler from Hall took second place and made the Tyrolean double victory complete. The motivated yet laid back Andy Schauer from Germany landed on third place.
In the crowded finish area of Red Bull Hüttenrallye, the audience watched spellbound as the competitions were broadcasted live on a video wall. Ski legend Karl Schranz was also present and commented: “Even in the old days of skiing pioneers, the lads used to jump over the snowy roofs of alm huts. It is a statement of freedom and Red Bull Hütterallye is a nod to this need for freedom.”
Clicking the boots into the bindings has to be done while the clock is already ticking at Red Bull Hüttenrallye.
Grace and style can get you a long way.
Only the strong survived at Red Bull Hüttenrallye. In the valley we can see St.Anton, one of Austria's most famous resorts.
Old school feel, new school speed.
Falling off an alm roof is part of the beautiful tradition.
Two of the most sympathetic ex World Cup racers enjoying themselves: Marco Büchel (l.) from Liechtenstein and former Red Bull Hüttenrallye champion Daron Rahlves (r.) from California.
This is the spirit!
A beauty in pink.
Norbert, man of the day, was responsible for firing the starting signal with his gun. Here he is demonstrating placidness again.
Winner's podium 2012 (f.l.t.r.): Daniel Riegler (2nd), Christoph Wahrstötter (winner) and Andy Schauer (3rd).
Photos © Vitek Ludvik and Mathias Kniepeiss / Red Bull Content Pool
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