<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <strong>Ursus Rookie Fest </strong>has officially wrapped up in Madonna di Campiglio (Trentino), delivering a compact but high-impact stop of the World Rookie Tour in the heart of the Dolomites. Originally planned over multiple competition days, the event program was reshaped by challenging weather conditions, with heavy snowfall and limited visibility requiring a flexible and responsive approach from the organization.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to adverse weather, the official competition was held over two days, with a clear focus on quality over quantity. Riders competed across Grom and Rookie categories in demanding alpine conditions that rewarded smart decision-making, clean execution and consistency. The slopestyle setup at Ursus Snowpark proved to be progressive and well balanced, allowing athletes to push their level while maintaining control—key elements in long-term athlete development.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The women’s competitions immediately set a high standard. In the Grom Women category, France’s <strong>Aurélia Liegeard </strong>claimed victory with a confident and composed performance, followed by Italy’s <strong>Arianna Ballardini</strong> in second place and New Zealand’s<strong> Charlee Hill </strong>in third.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Rookie Women's competition confirmed an impressive technical level. Taking the win, <strong>Mariia Nikolskaia</strong> delivered a standout performance with a winning run featuring a<strong> cab 900 tail grab into a back double 1080 mute</strong>, a combination that clearly demonstrated confidence, control and progression at this stage of development. She was joined on the podium by <strong>Anna Tomanová</strong> from the Czech Republic in second place and France’s <strong>Norah Scott Labbè</strong> in third, highlighting the strong international depth of the category.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The men’s competitions delivered equally strong performances. In the Grom Men category, Australia’s <strong>Hartley Zietsch</strong> secured first place after a focused and consistent contest, with Italy’s <strong>Valter Panzeri </strong>finishing second and Finland’s <strong>Ukko Raatikainen</strong> taking third.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Rookie Men final underlined the very high level of progression on display throughout the event. Taking the win, <strong>Pyry Posio </strong>delivered a technically demanding and well-executed performance with a winning run featuring a <strong>switch backside Weddle 1260 into a frontside 1260, followed by a switch board-under flip 630 out into a switch backside 270 in pull-back</strong>. A run that showcased control, amplitude and consistency under challenging conditions. France’s <strong>Lenny Collomb Paton</strong> secured second place, while Australia’s <strong>James Garth</strong> completed the podium in third, confirming the strong international level of the field.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For many athletes, the results achieved in Madonna di Campiglio translated into valuable points not only for the <strong>World Rookie Tour ranking</strong>, but also for the <strong>WSPL and FIS classifications</strong>, reinforcing the sporting relevance of the Ursus Rookie Fest within the international competition pathway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Across all categories, team performance also played a key role. Thanks to consistent results and strong depth throughout the event, the <strong>Best Team award was claimed by Finland</strong>, confirming the strength of its development system and its growing impact on the international rookie snowboard scene</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When weather conditions made further competition impossible, the event shifted direction without losing momentum. Taking advantage of the significant snowfall, the organisation added a dedicated <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dc5tFx7dgiU" target="_blank">backcountry day</a>, bringing together rookies and local riders for a shared mountain experience. This day focused on riding, safety awareness and mountain culture, offering a different but equally meaningful form of progression beyond the contest format</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Off snow, the Ursus Rookie Fest continued to reflect the broader values of the World Rookie Tour. During the event, riders took part in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Jvzl_ZUDY" target="_blank">special inclusive art workshop</a> led by photographer and artist <strong>Ania Grzelka</strong>, together with young participants from the <strong>Sereno Variabile group</strong> of the Gamma community based in Cremona (Italy). Starting from clean skateboard decks, participants worked side by side, transforming them into unique pieces of art and sharing an experience that went beyond sport, competition and results.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With competition, backcountry riding and creative exchange all coming together, the Ursus Rookie Fest once again proved to be more than just a contest. It delivered a complete experience where performance, personal growth and community coexist. Confirming Madonna di Campiglio as one of the most meaningful stops on the World Rookie Tour calendar and setting the tone for the rest of the season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If your dream is to become a professional athlete, then your future begins on the World Rookie Tour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you want more information about our project and wish to become a partner, contact us at: <a href="mailto:info@worldrookietour.com" target="_blank">info@worldrookietour.com</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Follow the World Rookie Tour Black Yeti!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Web: w<a href="https://www.worldrookietour.com/" target="_blank">ww.worldrookietour.com</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/worldrookietour/" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/worldrookietour</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/worldrookietour/" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/worldrookietour</a> @worldrookietour #worldrookietour</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Vimeo: <a href="https://vimeo.com/showcase/10614397" target="_blank">www.vimeo.com/channels/worldrookietour</a></div>