Training for the 6th edition of the O'Neill Evolution opened today in its traditional home resort of Davos, Switzerland. Bluebird conditions, 40cm's of overnight snow, and a picture perfect Big Air and Rail set up welcomed the international snowboard world.
As O'Neill celebrates its 60th anniversary at the O'Neill Evolution it also becomes the first TTR World Snowboard Tour 6 Star event of 2012. International stars and qualification hopefuls have started arriving at the resort to test and train in the all new Big Air and Rails set up. The new look set up was designed in combination between Dirk Scheumann from Schneestern and Max Henault, North American Team Manger for O'Neill. "We looked at creating a new technical and impressive rail and wall ride set up for the huge crowd that turns up for the event," said Henault. "The kicker to rail section is going to be challenging for the riders, and totally visible for the crowd." he concluded.
Sitting at a strategic point in the contest season, international stars including Sebastien Toutant(CAN), Christian Haller(SUI), Roope Tonteri(FIN), Stale Sandbech(NOR), Ethan Morgan(GER), Werni Stock(AUT), Seppe Smits(BEL) amongst others are looking to post Big Air and Overall Ranking points.
The Women's contest will see TTR Tour leader, Cilka Sadar(SLO) face off against international stars including Silvia Mittlemüller(GER), Kjersti Buaas(NOR) and former Tour Champion, Cheryl Maas(NDL).
Re-shaping is underway at the foot of the Jakobshorn here in Davos, with open training resuming tomorrow morning for the 80 men's and 40 women's qualifiers.
Qualification heats are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, while Semi Finals run through Saturday day leading up to the Saturday Night main event finals.