Elias Elhardt wins Relentless Energy Drink BIGAIR 2011 | TTR championship snowbo

Elias Elhardt wins Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart 2011 presented by Quiksilver

Despite initial concerns that poor weather may ruin proceedings, the second Relentless Energy Drink BIGAIR presented by Quiksilver proved to be a truly world-class event as promised. Best of all, Relentless sponsored rider Elias Elhardt took the title – with fellow team rider Victor De Le Rue close behind in second place.

Magic in Stuttgart

The panel of TTR judges were blown away by home favourite Elhardt’s moves, in front of a 6,000-strong crowd. A frontside 360 stalefish and frontside boardslide in his style run, and a perfect frontside 900 melon and 270 frontside boardslide in his tech run put him top of the board. Mastering both elements of the BIGAIR tournament, Elhardt rode his way confidently to victory.

"I just went with what felt good for me"

“I didn’t really have a planned-out strategy,” said the 23-year-old from Oberstaufen. “I just went with what felt good for me. The conditions were just perfect. The snow was grippy, the set-up great, and the crowd simply amazing!”

A close call

While Elhardt may have found the conditions perfect, it was very nearly not the case, with strong winds and continual rain causing major set-up problems for the jump construction and the cancellation of Friday’s vital practice session.

“Our crew of builders really did an outstanding job in these last few days,” said BIGAIR project manager, Michael Benz. “Against all odds we managed to catch up on the delay that was caused by the harsh weather, with a spot landing on Saturday!”

Video highlights coming to this page soon.