March, 21 2007 ‚ Sestriere (ITA) Big final between the buoys This weekend the carving season 2006/07 goes in its last exciting round. Only in this final appointment indeed will fall the decision on who will be the cup winner 2007, both in the womenís ranking and the menís ranking. In fact it should be quiet impossible for the swiss Melanie Buergener to reach Alessandra Merlin, who was dominating this season and is leading with 60 points of advantage. The real ìwarî will take place for the third place, where Chiara Bettega will try to defend its position from the attack of Francesca Deambrogio, teammate of Pucci (she is only 45 points behind). Much more thrilling the menís fight for the cristal cup. Thomas Bergamelli, the winner of the first race of the season still leads, but his advantage amounts to 4 points only. Whereas Gianluca Grigoletto, after his first raceís down, has regained his perfect condition and is heading right to the top. We just remember that last yearís winner on the Giovanni Alberto Agnelli was Thomas, while Gianluca couldnít get along with the course. The third position will be a thing between Aaron Nider and the swiss RenÈ Stoessel. Due to the hard work of the local crew, it should be possible for Mauro Robustelli, the official course setter, to construct jumps, waves, so as parabolic curves on the track. This means a further plus to the event that will see at the start athletes from all over Europe and also some former or actual ìAzzurriî such as Matteo Nana and Giancarlo Bergamelli. The show is almost over on what the team event is concerned. Texcart is leading with 4 wins, ahead of Rossetti Produzioni and Stoeckli Carving. This final will be titled the ìGrand Prix Hotel Principi di Piemonteî, reminding the first host of the Carving Events almost 10 years ago. Cup Standings Women 1. Alessandra Merlin ITA Navaski 380 2. Melanie B¸rgener SUI SCT Saas Fee 320 3. Chiara Bettega ITA Rossetti P. 245 4. Francesca Deambrogio ITA Navaski 240 5. Ana Teuc SLO Slovenja 175 6. Magdalena Soltys POL PZU-NTN 121 7. Joanna Modrzewska POL PZU-NTN 118 8. Spela Turk SLO Slovenija 114 9. Vanja Celigoj SLO Slovenija 105 10.Marcella Vantini ITA Texcart 64 Jeanette Arnold SUI Saas fee 64 Cup Standings Men 1 Thomas Bergamelli ITA Texcart 310 2. Gianluca Grigoletto ITA Texcart 306 3. Aaron Nider ITA CTI-MKE 188 4. RenË St–ssel SUI St–ckli 86 5. Tommaso Bartolini ITA Rossetti P. 174 6. Luca Vuerich ITA Rossetti P 157 7. Ivan Eggenberger SUI St–ckli 143 8. Simone Arfino ITA Texcart 134 9. Simon B”r SUI St–ckli 102 Silvan Zwahlen SUI Saas Fee 102 For further informations www.carvingcup.com Press office Marco Di Marco Alessandra Merlin (Navaski) during the finals in Sestriere (24/25 march), tries to win her third Carving Cup.