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The “Diavolezza Glacier Race” on the longest glacier run in Switzerland is celebrating its comeback after 44 years. Included: two familiar faces.
The Diavolezza downhill race first debuted in 1930 and was last held in 1980. After a total of 34 successful events, the popular ski race came to an end – the exact reasons are unclear. 44 years later, the “Diavolezza Glacier Race” is now back and will once again be held annually.
On Saturday, March 16th, almost 200 snow sports enthusiasts skied down the unprepared glacier piste in the Engadine. There were also two familiar faces hiding among the pissed off board riders: ex-snowboard professional Nevin Galmarini and television presenter Salar Bahrampoori. The two Grisons duels in the race. Olympic champion against ski instructor, snowboard against ski.
Before the start of the historic glacier race, the 37-year-old snowboarder and the 44-year-old presenter got tips and an expert assessment from Dumeng Giovanoli. In addition to several World Cup races, the former professional skier also won the glacier race on the Diavolezza in 1962.
It will be difficult with a snowboard because the race track is very flat at the bottom.
Giovanoli tips on Bahrampoori in the race: “It will be difficult with the snowboard because the race track is very flat at the bottom.” He saw that Galmarini had poles with him, “but with the skis you can still take a step on the ice or skate.”
The 83-year-old Giovanoli was right: Salar Bahrampoori boarded in 17 minutes and 53 seconds and reached 14th place. Nevin Galmarini was 41 seconds slower on the board and ended up in 21st place. The fastest piste racer won the gold medal in 13 minutes and 42 seconds.
For the participants, however, the focus is usually not on time, but on fun. Another topic was central for the organizers: the event was also used to collect money. This will benefit glacier protection projects. In the last two years alone, ten percent of Switzerland’s glacier volume has melted away.