Successful edition of the Dutch/Belgian Vertical Skimo Championships in Kappl as part of the Poederbaas Freeride Festival

Kappl, March 17, 2025 – The beautiful mountains of Kappl provided the setting this year for the Dutch/Belgian Vertical Skimo Championships, held as part of the Poederbaas Freeride Festival. The competition, which brought out the best in skiers and snowboarders, was an exciting and spectacular battle where both Dutch and Belgian athletes tested their speed and endurance.

In the women's categories for Dutch skiers, Bente Theeuwes was the fastest, with a time of 46 minutes and 9 seconds. For the men, the victory went to Allard Sprenger, who completed the race in exactly 43 minutes. The Belgian participants also showed strong performances, with Gert Goelen setting the fastest time for the men (42 minutes and 12 seconds), while Iris Van Calster had the best time in the women's snowboard category (57 minutes and 7 seconds).

For Dutch female snowboarders, Pernille Tan was the fastest, with a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 12 seconds, while Ward Koster claimed victory in the men's race with 46 minutes and 32 seconds. For Belgian male snowboarders, the title went to Thomas Stessens, who was the fastest in 43 minutes and 30 seconds.

The full results of the Dutch/Belgian Vertical Skimo Championships in Kappl are as follows:

Dutch Ski Women:

1. Bente Theeuwes – 00:46:09
2. Sanne de Jong – 00:47:28
3. Yvette Kroon – 01:01:25

Dutch Ski Men:

1. Allard Sprenger – 00:34:00
2. Michiel de Ruijter – 00:45:26
3. Boas Bego – 00:46:22

Dutch Snowboard Women:

1. Pernille Tan – 01:06:12
2. Abigail Tan – 01:20:22

Dutch Snowboard Men:

1. Dirk Brouwer – 00:46:32
2. Ward Koster – 00:46:51
3. Sam Houwing – 00:57:37

Belgian Ski Men:

1. Thomas Stessens – 00:43:30
2. Koen Speleman – 00:45:50
3. Bavo Teerlynck – 00:58:43

Belgian Snowboard Women:

1. Beth Berckvens – 01:01:25
2. Kim Vaes – 01:22:22

Belgian Snowboard Men:

1. Gert Goelen – 00:42:12
2. Simon Hollevoet – 00:47:26
3. Joris Van Lieshout – 00:51:53

Belgian Ski Women:

1. Iris Van Calster – 00:57:07

This year's edition was not only an excellent test of speed and technique but also a fantastic opportunity for participants to compete against the best in the region. The Poederbaas Freeride Festival also created a great atmosphere, with numerous activities that made the event unforgettable for both participants and the audience.

The organization looks back on a very successful edition and looks forward to the freeride competitions that will take place on Wednesday & Thursday!