Downhill Excitement on Iconic Speed Track

Press release provided by Grand Prix La Parva Photo Cold Pro Media and @chilewinterseries

Chilean athlete Henrik Von Appen delivered an outstanding performance in the speed events at the Grand Prix La Parva.

The Grand Prix La Parva, part of the Ford Chile Winter Series Visa circuit, brought together some of the world’s top athletes on the legendary Barros Negros speed track at Ski La Parva. The course provided spectacular conditions for high-level alpine speed skiing.

Racers reached speeds exceeding 130 km/h, tackled 30-meter jumps, navigated sharp turns, and experienced intense adrenaline. These races counted towards the South American Cup, a global circuit regulated by the International Ski Federation (FIS), offering South American athletes future World Cup opportunities.

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Men’s competition

Chilean racer and Ski La Parva ambassador Henrik Von Appen produced outstanding performances, making the most of his local knowledge by securing a victory and a second-place finish in the downhill races. He is gearing up for the 2023/24 World Cup circuit in the USA and Europe. Slovenian athlete Nejc Naralocnik emerged victorious in one of the downhill events, while his teammate Martin Cater achieved two third-place finishes. Austrian World Cup skier Christian Walder also stood out with a second-place finish in the race won by Chile’s Von Appen.

Women’s competition

In the women’s category, the Canadian and French anthems resounded strongly with victories by Britt Richardson and Lena Dauphin, respectively. The French athlete Tifany Roux and the Australian Greta Small completed the podiums. Chilean athlete Matilde Schwencke also excelled with 4th and 5th place finishes, achieving the best results of her career in the downhill discipline.

The Chilean Andes blanketed in heavy snowfall, provided exceptional training and competition conditions during this thrilling speed event series. The Red Bull jump, impeccable athlete facilities, and flawless track preparation added to the excitement.

The week’s speed events culminated in a grand award ceremony. Athletes and attendees enjoyed a Chilean-style lamb barbecue and celebrated the fastest participants at a fantastic sunset party.

The Chile Winter Series includes over six events in five different Olympic disciplines, including alpine skiing, freeski, snowboarding, ski and snowboard cross, and cross-country skiing, all held throughout the season at Chile’s premier ski resorts.

Making the competitions possible

The National Ski and Snowboard Federation of Chile, along with the National Sports Institute (IND), collaborates with ski resorts Corralco, La Parva, El Colorado, and sponsors Mocho, Visa, Ford, Red Bull, Snickers, Stanley, Opinel, Radio Bio Bio, Flesad, HD Sports Magazine, Citric Juices, Kangu, Guayaki, and Chilenieve to make this winter sports circuit possible.