Andreas Prommegger to join club of 200
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Tuesday 26 February 2013

Andreas Prommegger to join club of 200

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In just a few days, Andreas Prommegger will write another chapter in his snowboarding career. The 32-years-old rider from the Salzburg countryside will start in his 200th World Cup race and thus joins the club of distinguished riders who have reached this rare mark.

The father of one (daughter Laura is 18 months old), who will marry his girlfriend Susanne this year, looks back on more than 16 years of World Cup racing and thus some very good times with 32 podium results including eleven World Cup wins.

FISSnowboard.com gave the race boarder a call to chat with him about this magic number; just to find out that Prommegger didn't even know about this special date.

FISSnowboard.com: Andi, do you know why we call?

Andreas Prommegger: Maybe because of the up-coming parallel giant slalom in Arosa?

Yes, kind of, but it also marks a special date for you, it will be your 200th World Cup start!

Wow, seriously? That is pretty cool and pretty rare.

Indeed. Did you ever thought of something like this?

No never! The first 100 came pretty fast because we did compete in so many races. I did parallel, GS and snowboard cross. We had about 20 races per year. Nowadays, you only have ten so it's pretty hard to reach that mark.

Does the 200 has any special effect on you now?

No, not really, but if I'm right, Jasey Jay Anderson did win his 200th World Cup race a few years ago.

FISSnowboard.com checks the data online and yes, Jasey Jay Anderson won his 200th World Cup in La Molina, 2009 – a PGS.

You are right.

I'll take it as a good sign. You know what, it's a nice feeling knowing to have come that far. Especially as Arosa is a selective slope and I have good memories. Actually I won the last race there two years ago.

Talking about memories: Your first race took place on January 11, 1997, what are you thinking of first when looking back?

It has been a wonderful time. Back in the days, I never thought that I would have a chance to come that far turning my hobby into my job.

I'm now more than 16 years part of this circuit and thus have become more mature. I know that in the future the moment will come when I know it's over. But honestly, I don't want to miss a single day, I have plenty of nice memories.

What are the most important for you?

Basically, my Junior World Championships title in 2000 was the first highlight.

But my first World Cup win is for sure another corner stone. It was in La Molina in 2007 and it took me quite a long time to get there.

And of course, there is the Parallel World Cup title last year. I was able to finally step out of the shadow of Benjamin Karl. I always knew that I'm good but it is hard if you have such a strong player in your team.

I also like to recall the two wins on home soil: at JAUerling in front of 6,000 spectators and Bad Gastein, my home race, this January.

However, you are know 32 years old. You already said in an interview with an Austrian newspaper that you could think of the 2015 World Championships but then it would be time to retire. So, Sochi and the worlds to finish things off?

Yes, obviously I will go for Sochi 2014. And if I have a good feeling thereafter my goal would be the home World Championships at Kreischberg.

To finally win a medal at major events?

Of course it's a pitty that I haven't placed on the podium at big events yet and it would be nice to take home a medal at least once. But I wouldn't regret it if I wouldn't win one. For me, the World Cup title is of even more worth.

Any thoughts what comes after your snowboarding career?

I'm one of the best snowboarders and that was my main goal when I started to compete. But I have experienced so many things and found out that there are other things besides competitive sports.

That is?

I finished my vocational training to be a police officer and I want to marry my girlfriend this year, so family. I wouldn't have a problem to quit if I see it doesn't work out for me anymore.

So, no comeback from retirement for you?

No, definitely not. If I'm done with it I'm done.

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