6 Greeting by Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria 6 Greeting by Krasen Kralev, Minister of Youth and Sport 7 Greeting by Tzeko Minev, President of the Bulgarian Ski Federation 7 Greeting by Georgi Ikonomov, Mayor of the City of Bansko 12 Оrganizing Committee 14 Teams Programme 18 Bulgaria, Bansko – getting there 20 Finish Area 22 Ski Area 26 Ulen Ski and Snowboard School 30 Parking Zone 32 Hotels 2 3

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear organizers, participants and friends of snowboard, Dear Friends, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear sports fans, It’s a privilege for me to congratulate you on the occasion of On behalf of the Bulgarian Ski Federation, I am pleased to welcome all Allow me to compare to light writing This is my It is a pleasure for me to be part of the organisation of the FIS organizing the Snowboard World Cup in Bansko. of you here in our country for the Ladies and Men 2018 FIS Snowboard heartfelt wish – that each of you may experience his or her light Snowboard World Cup 2018 once again and therefore to welcome After the excellent organization of the Bansko Snowboard World World Cup Bansko. We are very proud to have you here in the heart of story in the town below Todorka peak. May some of you carve the best world snowboarders in Bansko, Bulgaria. Cup last season, our country is coming back on the world stage the Balkans, in the foothills of the magnificent Pirin Mountain, and we their biggest or first success in this fantastic winter sport! aim to combine this snowboard festival with an exciting experience May other competitors have an unforgettable experience in The privilege of being given the rights to organise World Cup races of snowboard by hosting again the most attractive disciplines in and true friendship. contact with the charming nature of Pirin! And for the rest - have in Bansko by the FIS again proves the Bulgarian Ski Federation’s snowboard: parallel and giant slalom, and boardercross. I have no a memorable time in the special cozy, traditional comfort of serious attitude when hosting world class sporting events. doubt that we will do an excellent job, due to the fact that in the past We are sure that these prestigious snowboard competitions will years our country proved to be a successful host in the World and keep part of your heart in Bansko. We also strongly believe that all Bansko. Being hosts of prestigious competitions since 2009, confirms the European cups from the calendar of the International Ski Federation. our visitors, especially our future winners, will keep great memories All of us, organizers and hosts alike, have devoted our best trust given by the winter sports community to Bulgaria for our of the warm hospitality offered by the community of Bansko and efforts to make this event happen. I do hope that you will also tremendous efforts to promote sports all over the world. Between the 26th and 28th of January 2018 the Bulgarian fans will have the privilege to see all famous snowboard stars live on the unforgettable beauty of the Pirin Mountain. On the other hand, feel the extraordinary hospitality of the native people in my I’m confident that the superb conditions of our racing courses and “Tomba” slope. We are also proud that the current champion in the our spectators will remember the fair play and the sportsmanship town, who will once again open their homes and hearts to you. the presence of our champions Radoslav Yankov and Alexandra parallel discipline Radoslav Yankov and the best lady of Bulgarian demonstrated by all the athletes while fighting hard to achieve their Welcome to Bansko, a town that will always look forward to Jekova will be highly appreciated by our fans. I also hope that the snowboard Alexandra Jekova are among them. potential. It’s definitely our main goal to create a unique atmosphere welcoming you, and would be honored to have the privilege of warm Bulgarian hospitality and the unique spirit of Bansko will during our World Cups that will make it really special for everybody! being a co-author in your unique ski story, engraved with light on touch our worldwide audience. The upcoming event is extremely valuable for us and it will have a huge social effect. I hope that this event will spark the love for winter The members of the National Ski Federation and the Organising the ridge of Pirin. Good luck to all. sports in all the kids and teenagers watching. Committee have been working hard during the last years to overcome difficult challenges and to achieve excellent organisation of FIS, I wish all the athletes, a successful start and achievement of Georgi Ikonomov European Cup and World Cup races, trying to establish Bulgaria’s Boyko Borissov their sports goals. It is an indisputable fact that the athletes will place on the map of major international sporting events. So we hope Mayor of the Municipality of Bansko Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria make their best for an excellent performance in the name of good you’ll enjoy the forthcoming World Cup stage here. Honorary Chairman OC sportsmanship and this beautiful sport. I would like to thank you again for coming here and wish all participants Good Luck. good luck! Yours truly, Krassen Kralev, Minister of Youth and Sports Tzeko Minev President of the Bulgarian Ski Federation Chairman OC

6 7 Alexandra JEKOVA Radoslav YANKOV Born: 05.10.1987 Born: 26.01.1990 Alexandra has been competing on the international From zero to hero, that is what happened to snowboard scene since she was 11. She has been participating Radoslav Yankov over the 2015 summer time. in all snowboard disciplines, but in the past few years she Before the season’s break, the 1990-born focused on Snowboard cross, which is the youngest and most rider from Chepelare was a normal Europа attractive for the audience. She has won many titles from FIS Cup competitor with a seventh rank as best Snowboard World Cup Tour. She has competed at the Winter result to his belt earned three times. Olympic Games in Torino, Vancouver and Sochi and tree times But when the 190cm tall raceboader entered at Winter X Games USA. the 2015-16 season things has changed Alexandra was twelve times Bulgarian National Champion dramatically – for the good. 2003-2014 and fifty four times in top 10 Snowboard The two time junior world champion (2008 World Cups. and 2009) kicked off his new contest winter in style with a second place at the EC opener in 1st for the Europe cup overall standings 2006 Landgraaf, Netherlands. Two times 2nd at the Junior World Championships 2007 Just two months later, he added back-to-back Seventeen times medalist from FIS Snowboard World Cups wins at the well-attended Europa Cup event 2007-2014 in Hochfuegen, Austria which was the last form test for the most World Cup riders prior Three times gold medalist of FIS Snowboard World Cup to their World Cup opener – and his first true 2nd in the overall ranking for the FIS World Cup Crystal Globe pointer to what he could be capable of. 2011 Just one week later, the strong rider was able In the 2016–17 seasons he made great results in PGS, winning the 1st in the World rank list by points by FIS World Cup 2011 to keep the momentum and write history overall title for that season. 3rd in the overall ranking for FIS World Cup Crystal Globe 2012 claiming victory in his first appearance in Asked what had changed over the last months, Yankov explained: “A lot of things. But World Cup knock-out rounds. Silver medalist from Winter X Games 2012 basically I got rid of my back problems and changed the set-up of my equipment.” Yankov became the first ever male 3rd in the overall ranking for FIS World Cup Crystal Globe 2014 15 years before, around the age of ten, the heavy raceboarder had fallen in love with snowboarder from Bulgaria to win a 5th at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi 2014 snowboarding in his home town of Chepelare. Snowboard World Cup event and the second 4th at the Snowboard World Championships in Austria 2015 male athlete of his home country to win a Ever since, Yankov fought hard to fulfil his dream of becoming an Olympic athlete which 1st place Winter Universiade Granada 2015 World Cup over all six FIS disciplines. actually came true at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games – despite the fact that he is part of what you can call the smallest team on tour. 1st Place WC Snowboardcross 5 Mar 2016 Veysonnaz, 35 years after Peter Popangelov had won the Switzerland slalom race in Lenggries, Germany, back in Yankov travels the world together with his coach, wax tech and friend Georgi Atanasov, 1980, Yankov added a new chapter to the FIS while being supported by a professional physio since a while when back home . history books at the age of 25. “Sometimes it’s difficult to be only two guys. But we are more than a team!” 8 9 Diners Club credit cards with promotional terms and conditions.

Benjamin Karl Roland Fischnaller Born: October 16, 1985 Born: September 19, 1980

Benjamin Karl is an Austrian snowboarder with seven World Fischnaller (ITA) made his debut in the FIS World Cup in 1999 and Cup victories and one FIS World Ski Championships Victory. although he made a modest start, the trophies soon started coming He competed for his nation in the in Parallel in thick and fast. Today, he is a specialist parallel slalom rider and Giant Slalom. And since such successes, the Austrian pro has parallel giant slalom race boarder. continued to dominate the podiums of... well, pretty much any Over the years, he has bagged countless gold medals at the likes of competition he enters. In 2014 he took home yet another Olympic the FIS World Cup, Europa Cup and the FIS Race, demonstrating his medal after winning bronze at Sochi. In his ‘spare’ time, he can aptitude shredding pow in almost every corner of the world. be seen on his bike just for fun or at events such as Red Bull Photo: Roland Fischnaller poses for a portrait in Val Senales, Italy Your faithful companion in travel and fun times. Dolomitenmann. He likes running and is a very active sportsman. on October 12, 2017 At this photo, he supports the cause of Wings for Life foundation Wins in 2016: (the officially chosen mission by Red Bull to support globally in the world runs & donations campaigns). 2nd place FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup PSL 2nd place FIS Snowboard World Cup Giantslalom – Overall 1st place : FIS Snowboard World Cup – Men’s Parallel Slalom

10 11 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE TECHNICAL SERVICES Viktor Gichev Chief of Race SWISS TIMING Timekeeping and results Rosen Nenkov Chief of courses Stoyan Atanassov, Infosport Support timekeeping and results computing service Alberto Schiavon Course builder JURY FINANCIAL COMMITTEE ULEN AD Catering, electricity, tickets, Georgi Popov Course doping control Uwe Beier FIS Snowboard Race Director Tzeko Minev Chairman preparation & crew ULEN CASE Logistics – finish area Alberto Schiavon Asistant Race Director Snowboard, FIS Georgi Bobev Member Simeon Stoyanov Course Viktor Gichev Chief of Race Maia Hristoskova Member preparation & crew BFSki Elitza Popova Banners Veneta Dimitrova Member Vassil Petrov Chief of safety BFSki ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Assia Ilieva Race Secretary

Boyko Borissov Honorary Chairman Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Krassen Kralev Chairman, Minister of Youth and Sports ORGANIZATION Tzeko Minev (BFSki) Chairman, President Organizing committee BANSKO 2018 of the Bulgarian Ski Federation Maia Hristoskova Vice Chairman, CEO Ulen Company Georgi Ikonomov Vice Chairman, Organizer Mayor Bansko Municipality SWC BANSKO 2018 Georgi Bobev Vice Chairman, Vice President of Bulgarian Ski Federation Bulgarian Ski Federation / Bulgarian Ski Pool, Sofia Viktor Gichev Chief of race Phone: +359 2 984 8750 Rosen Nenkov Chief of courses Fax: +359 2 980 6082 Pepa Mitzeva Secretary General E-mail: [email protected], Elitza Popova Marketing , Coordinator FIS-OC [email protected] Gaby Dokeva Coordinator VIP www.banskoworldcup.com Zahari Sotirov Coordinator FIS-OC www.bfski.com Nikolai Karadjov Finish Area Dr. Boris Klein Medical Service Press center Rumen Bariakov First Aid BG, Sofia, Phone: +359 2 980 6082, Stoyan Atanassov Accreditation +359 882 424 663 Antoaneta Todorova Accommodation Fax: +359 2 980 6082 E-mail: [email protected], Plamen Valkov PR & Press Coordinator (BFSki) [email protected] IMS TV production www.banskoworldcup.com Ivan Obreikov Coordinator OC – TV production Ivan Tzakov Coordinator OC – TV production ULEN AD Catering Accommodation & KIWI Advertizing Agency Advertisement, Architecture, Design transportation office Stoyan Atanassov Infosport Telecommunications Balkan Holidays Bansko Municipality Visitors’ service BG, Sofia, 7, Dyakon Ignatiy Str. Phone: +359 2 989 62 63 Petar Pankov Volunteers Fax: +359 2 981 33 90 e-mail: [email protected] 12 13 Todorka Peak 2746 m

Teams Programme

Men and Ladies Start PGS Start SBX 23 January 2018 Tuesday 27 January 2018 Saturday Training Arriving SBX and PGS teams Qualification SBX course Training Race SBX course 24 January 2018 Wednesday Test Snowboardcross 28 January 2018 Sunday FINAL Qualification PGS / Race PGS 25 January 2018 Thursday Departure SBX Training Snowboardcross 29 January 2018 Monday PGS SBX Departure PGS Course name: Tomba Course name: Tomba 26 January 2018 Friday Vertical Drop 140m Vertical Drop: 60m Start: 1750 Start: 1670 Qualifications PGS / Race PGS Finish : 1610 Finish: 1610 Official opening Length: 500m Length: 300m 14 15 Once you visit this fantastic resort, you’ll be willing to come back, again and again, as Bansko offers only the best and your pleasure here is guaranteed. Bansko can be astoundingly diverse and cater for all tastes – from modern age buffs to admirers of the authentic. The town has preserved its ancient cobbled streets and houses, some of which date back to a hundred years. This is where Bansko’s unique charm stems from. The houses look like monasteries with their high stonewalls and small shuttered windows. The real Bulgarian spirit is hidden behind fortified walls and heavy gates in spacious rooms with wood-carved ceilings and doors, hand- woven carpets and embroidered cushions, in the murals, icons and the fine iconostasis of the Saint Trinity church. The unique atmosphere of the town at the foot of the Pirin Mountain is enriched by the characteristic sonority of Bansko male singing, the local sense of humor, the mature red wine and the delicious dishes of traditional Bansko cuisine. The strange feel of the air is one of the most impressive experiences in Bansko – something like smoke or smoldering pine. The magic feeling of something cozy and snug. In the numerous local taverns with the exotic name „Mehana” you can sit comfortably, smile, feel the warmth of the open fire and enjoy the soft flavor and the delicious taste of the local sausage called „Old man”.

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Copenhagen

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By car Bansko lies in the South-Eastern part of Bulgaria, at Milano the tip of the Pirin National Park. Once you arrive at the airport in Sofia or Plovdiv, there are a number of ways Thessaloniki to travel to Bansko. Bansko lies two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Sofia, although the journey time can lengthen to three or four hours on busier weekends. Quickest

route is to take the main E79 south to Simitli, from Approx. distance from Istanbul, Turkey – 600 km Sofia where a well-marked east-bound turn leads over the Approx. distance from Thessaloniki, Greece – 220 km Plovdiv Predela Pass to Bansko. Approx. distance from Belgrade, Serbia – 650 km Approx. distance from Skopje, FYROM – 200 km By air Closest airport: Sofia Airport. Approx. distance from Bucharest, Romania – 600 km By bus There are regular bus lines to major cities in Bulgaria. Sofia – Bansko 150 km Istanbul Thessaloniki – Bansko 220 km Istanbul – Bansko 600 km Thessaloniki

18 19 FINAL 1 Team Area FINAL

2 Media Area

3 Photo Area 6 Audience (Standing) 4 TV / Radio Area 3 5 Media Centre VIP Lounge 4 6 Timing / Data Area 1 1 3 2 Race Lounge Audience 7 Priority Lift access (Seated)

FUN zone

7

BAR

Restaurants

Gondola Li Parking 1 5

Parking 2

20 21 Bansko Todorka Bansko Todorka Mosta Plato Mosta Plato Kolarski Stara kotva Kolarski Stara kotva Banderitza 1 Detska kotva Banderitza 1 Detska kotva Banderitza 2 Panica B Banderitza 2 Panica B Shiligarnik Vlek Chalin Shiligarnik Vlek Chalin Chalin valog Chalin valog

Gondola lift Information Gondola lift Information Venue place Chair lifts Shop Chair lifts Shop The main viewing area for all events is in the Banderiza finish stadium Drag lifts Change next to the gondola upper station. Drag lifts Change Hut Cash Desk Hut Cash Desk Snow mashine EV charger Food and DrinkS Snow mashine Ski shool Rent a ski Ski shool Numerous stands in the event areas serve up snacks along with hot and cold drinks. Bringing food or drinks of any kind, especially alcoholic beverages, onto the event grounds, is prohibited. Rent a ski Range Parking Range Parking First Aid Restaurant First Aid ACCOMMODATION TRANSPORTATION waxing ROOMS Restaurant Funpark All teams will be accommodated For transfer from Sofia Airport to Bansko please Waxing rooms are located next Light Funpark at the 4-star hotel “Strazhite” contact: Mrs. Antoaneta Todorova (Balkan Holidays) to the Gondola station. Light and similar in Bansko Town. E-mail: [email protected] The facility is guarded 24/7 The accommodation costs will be settled Phone: +359 885 330 466 and is available for all the teams. Light in accordance with the Rules for the Middle Contact person for ski waxing rooms: Light Middle Snowboard World Cup. ACCREDITATION Difficult Ski road Mr. Nikolai Karadjov Contact person for accommodation: Team captains will receive teams’ accreditations Difficult Ski road E-mail: [email protected] Altitude of highest ski run: 2600 m; Altitude of lowest ski run: 990 m; Total lenght of marked ski runs, including ski roads: 75 km at the Race office in Hotel Strazhite. Mrs. Antoaneta Todorova Phone: +359 882 111 060 Beginners – 35%; Intermediate – 40%; Advanced – 25%; Snow Cannons – 400 snow cannons covering 80% of the ski runs; Ski road a (Balkan Holidays) Contact person for accreditation: Mr. Stojan Atanassov unique 16 km run suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, covered by snow cannons and lighted, connects the highest ski E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] run with the town. Phone: +359 885 330 466 Phone: +359 888 68 69 50 22 PGS SBX Course name: Tomba Course name: Tomba Vertical Drop 140m Vertical Drop: 60m Start: 1750 Start: 1670 Finish : 1610 Finish: 1610 Length: 500m Length: 300m

24 ULEN Lift Operator The lifts and ski runs’ operator in Bansko takes care of your maximum comfort with 8-seat Gondola cable car by Doppelmayr, six 4-seat lifts of the latest Doppelmayr models, two 6-seat lifts, including the latest generation technology by Leitner, four drags and 10 baby drags. The easy access to all lifts is secured by chip-cards from SkiData. The existence of crisp white snow with excellent quality on 80 km of marked ski runs and ski roads is made possible by their regular maintenance by 15 Kassbohrer and Leitner snow-grooming machines. Snow is guaranteed from December until May by more than 400 TechnoAlpin snow cannons.

ULEN Rent-a-Ski Our ski storage and rental facilities, furnished by brand new ski-rafts from Wintersteiger, offer the latest ski and snowboard equipment from major Western brands.

Ski and Snowboard Service We offer fast high-quality ski and snowboard service, backed by the latest Microjet service equipment by the leading manufacturer Wintersteiger.

ULEN Ski and Snowboard School The best and the largest ski school in the region woffers highly-qualified ski and snowboard instructors, who speak your language. Courses range from beginners to advanced ski and snowboard.

Junior Ski Club Great news for children: We have a Junior Club ski kindergarten with 3 Baby drags, a Wonder Carpets baby track, and a Winter/Summer rotunda type Kinder Carousel. Ski Competitions Bansko is organizer of European Ski Cup rounds and already is a regular host of AUDI FIS Ski World Cup event for both ladies and men. Other popular events are: FIS Pirin Cup, International Cup Kappi, Extreme Ski and Snowboard Competition Bansko and FIS Snowboard Competitions. 26 26 27 28 29 Parking, Hotels & Shuttle Service

The event organizers offer a special service to all visitors who travel by car. Bansko spectators can take advantage of free rides on the special event shuttles to the finish area and Bansko lift station. Tsar Simeon str. The shuttle bus time table will be available at the bottom station of the Patriarh Evtimii str. Gondola lift, at accreditation office and at the venue hotel receptions. Please use the large parking lots in the village.

Glazne str.

Tsar Simeon str.

3

Glazne str. N. Vaptsarov square

1 Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena***** Otets Paisii str. 4 2 Hotel Strazhite****

3 Hotel Bansko**** Tsar Simeon str. 4 Hotel Pirin**** Neofit Rilski str.

Glazne str. Pirin str. St. Stambolov str.

ULEN 2 1 Paid Parking 2

Parking STAFF 1 Pirin str. 2 Parking with pass 1

Parking Blue Zone SMS or Counterfoil KEMPINSKI HOTEL Hotel GRAND ARENA ***** Strazhite **** Floors 5, Lifts 5, Beds 330 Room types Deluxe double rooms, deluxe king rooms, Floors 3, Lifts 3, Units 160 This elegant hotel is a combination concierge club rooms, suites Room types Double rooms, apartments, Magnificent hotel at the of local-style architecture maisonettes foot of the ski slopes Typical room shower and bath, WC, hairdryer, mini-bar, cable-TV, telephone, and modern comfort balcony, air-conditioning Typical room Shower, WC, hair-dryer, mini-bar, cable TV, telephone, Address: 96 Pirin Str., Bansko 2770 Address: 7 Glazne Str., Bansko 2770 wireless internet, balcony Dining facilities Restaurant, restaurant a-la-carte, lobby bar, room service Telephone: [+359 749] 88700, 88118 Telephone: [+359 749] 88888 Public facilities Luxurious SPA centre with Thai herbal suite, slipper bath, float tank, serial Located at a Dining facilities Restaurant, 2 lobby bars Located at a bath, relax room, dry float spa, hammam, caldarium, aroma sauna, Finnish sauna, snow paradise, 10 minutes walk from the town centre 10 minutes walk from the town centre whirlpool; indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness centre, beauty centre, kids swimming Public facilities Swimming pool, fitness, sauna, massage, steam bath, Next door to the Gondola lift games room, darts, billiards, bowling with 6 alleys, table tennis, shopping centre, large ski storage Opposite to the Gondola lift pool, kids playroom, baby-sitter, games room, billiards, boutique shops, ski storage, 2 tennis courts, room, luggage room, conference room conference hall for up to 120 people, safety deposit box, exchange office

32 33 [email protected] www.balkanholidays.com

Hotel Bansko ****

Floors 4, Lifts 2, Units 53 Room types Single rooms, double rooms, twin deluxe rooms, double deluxe rooms, studios, Address apartments, maisonettes 37 Glazne Str., Bansko 2770 Typical room Bath, WC, hair-dryer, mini-bar, cable-TV, telephone Telephone Dining facilities Restaurant, lobby bar, [+359 749] 88054 fax: 88864 room service Located at a Public facilities Indoor swimming pool, fitness, sauna, massage, table tennis, billiards, souvenir 5 minutes walk from the town centre. shop, conference hall for up to 25 people, conference hall for up to 50 people, ski storage, safety Close to the Gondola lift deposit box

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