Pure action and fun can be expected when the 2000/2001 Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup continues with the first event of 2001 this weekend in Kreischberg, Austria. Apart from the racing, numerous side events are also scheduled. Keeping in line with its motto, "Join the young spirit," Kreischberg has managed to become the official venue for the 2003 FIS Snowboard World Championships and it looks like everyone here this weekend will get a taste of what the organizers have in store for that big event. The "Kreisch-Indios" — Austria's biggest snowboard club — which organized World Cup events in 1997 and 1999 is known by most for pure action and fun, on and off the slopes, and the schedule for the weekend promises similar happenings this year. Snowboard cross racing will kick off the event on Friday. Last year's snowboard cross World Cup champion Pontus Stahlkloo from Sweden is hot to further increase his World Cup lead while runner-ups Joni Vastamaki from Finland and German newcomer Sven Unger will try to catch him. Apart from those, Austria's Alexander Maier, Jasey Jay Anderson from Canada and Maier's teammate Felix Stadler also need to be considered for a top result. After two events, defending snowboard cross World Cup champion Sandra Farmand from Germany is leading the women's standings, ahead of France's Karine Ruby and Ursula Fingerlos from Austria. French rider Marie Laissus, Austrian Manuela Riegler and Italy's "Kamikaze" Carmen Ranigler are other contenders for a win. Those who miss the podium on Friday will have a another chance to attack in the second snowboard cross race on Saturday. For the first time in the FIS World Cup history, two consecutive competitions in this spectacular discipline are being held on the same weekend. Exciting head-to-head duels in parallel slalom will mark the conclusion of the racing action on Sunday. Reigning World Champion Nicolas Huet from France is currently leading the parallel standings and appears to be the top favorite in the World Cup this year, but Slovenia's Dejan Kosir and Mathieu Bozzetto from France also need to be considered, as well as Austria's Werner Ebenbauer and Richard Richardsson from Sweden. Karine Ruby is leading the women's rankings ahead of Lidia Trettel from Italy and France's Isabelle Blanc, but there are a couple of others, especially Carmen Ranigler and Sara Fischer from Sweden, who have the skills to add wins here. Apart from the on-slope action, numerous side events are scheduled which are themed "Beach on the Mountain." Not only are snowboard outfits required, but beach wear is necessary for a Hawaiian contest, a Beach Party Pool contest, the Pool Gladiator event, and the Surf contest, all happening Friday night next to the slopes. Live music will be provided by Route 66 and Beach Fire. A "Nokia People Big Air" will take place on Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 6pm, followed by more beach and dance contests, as well as a "Shark Diving" after the official awards which take place at 9pm. The Ö3 Disco with breakdance and DJ Ronni will make Kreischberg shake until the early morning hours. Kreischberg is calling — don't miss it. — Britta Semmler, MountainZone.com Correspondent