The Snowboard Junior World Championships is currently taking place in the Salzburg winter sports paradise of Gastein. It is the last big event of the 2006/2007 season and the 300 athletes from 30 countries are benefiting from superb weather and perfect snow and piste conditions, despite the late time of year. Thanks to the experience gained hosting numerous World Cup events, the World Championships’ organisers are able to offer the stars of tomorrow the best possible conditions to aid their sporting performance during what is the pinnacle of their season.

Gastein, renowned for its enthusiasm for snowboarding, is located in the middle of the Salzburg Olympic region, not far from Radstadt, Altenmarkt, Zauchensee and Flachau, which are all planned competition venues in the Salzburg bid for hosting the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The athletes are all very impressed by the event: “You really notice the professionalism that comes with experience here. Great pistes, brilliant organization and a superb supporting programme. Because of that alone I hope Salzburg is awarded the 2014 Games”, commented Helena Olafsen, the Norwegian snowboard cross (SBX) gold medal winner. Bulgarian silver medallist, Alexandra Jekova, was also complimentary: “I am really inspired. Despite the late time of year, the conditions are perfect, the accommodation is superb and the people are friendly and competent. I wish Salzburg every luck with the bid for the 2014 Games. They truly belong here.”
 
There has also been great praise from the officials. Tor Svensson, head trainer of the Dutch national team, commented: “At this time of year it is really marvellous to enjoy such perfect conditions. The Austrians do a great job. They are well known for it. I am always delighted to come here, time and again, because I know that everything is always perfect. Salzburg has the best conditions for the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

Salzburg 2014 Ambassador and 2005 Snowboarding World Champion, Manuela Riegler, who hails from the planned 2014 Olympic region in Flachau stated: “World Championships at home are always something special. There is even more of a challenge and more motivation to do well in your own country. The athletes also have more of an opportunity to shine for the media. After one World Championship title you obviously want more and the major goal for every athlete is now the Olympics. Salzburg has the best conditions for the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”