The heart of Kitzbühel is alive with excitement as global polo stars arrive for The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup ahead of three days of fast horses, exciting sport and glamorous evening events.
As the sun set on a cool Thursday evening, the village of Kitzbühel opened its doors for The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup official kick off. Following a team briefing from event organiser and snow polo veteran, Tito Gaudenzi, the world’s press gathered in front of the Hotel zur Tenne for the official presentation of the 2019 teams.
Hailing from across the globe, this year’s event welcomes 18 players from eight countries, ready and raring to test their mettle on the pristine Kitzbühel snow. This year, the Tyrolean village has seen a record-breaking amount of fresh snow, and with the sun having made its first appearance for what seems like an age on Thursday, and sunny days forecast to come, there could not be better conditions for this year’s tournament.
Gathered in front of the Hotel zur Tenne for the official presentation, spectators and guests were greeted with an assembled roar of the six Maseratis as the players arrived at the hotel and took their positions on the presentation stand. This year’s draw took place prior to the official presentation at the Kitzbühel Country Club on Sunday 13th January, with 2018 champions Bendura Bank set to be first on the polo field on Friday 18th January against age-old rivals, and 2017 champions, Corum at 11.30am to begin the event in style.
What’s more, over 800 guests will be lucky enough to enjoy the VIP tent over the course of the three days, which will be the grandest ever seen in Kitzbühel and will host the glamorous and renowned invitation only Gala Night on Saturday evening.
For the 17th year, the competition is proud and excited to welcome back its loyal collection of sponsors supporting this long-standing event. Bendura Bank lead the sponsor’s board, joining the other distinguished team sponsors Bernd Gruber, Engel & Völkers, Corum and Maserati, as well as a new addition for 2019, Cîroc Vodka.
The entrance to the public area is free with delicious local delights and refreshments available from food trucks to keep even the keenest spectators fed and watered throughout the week’s activities.
Some VIP tickets for this three-day polo and party spectacular, including catering for all three days are available from www.kitzbuehelpolo.com
Programme of the 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel:
Friday 18th January
11.30am: Corum vs Bendura Bank
12.45pm: Engel & Völkers vs Maserati
2pm: Bernd Gruber vs Cîroc
8pm: Team Captain Dinner at Kitzbühel Country Club (by invitation only)
11pm: Take 5 Polo Club Night
Saturday 19th January
11.30am: Cîroc vs Maserati
12.45pm: Corum vs Bernd Gruber
2pm: Bendura Bank vs Engel & Völkers
8pm: Polo Players Night in the VIP Tent (by invitation only/information via Lifestyle Events: (info@kitzbuehelpolo.com)
Sunday 20th January
11.30am: Match for 5th and 6th place
12.45pm: Kitzbühel Country Club Cup Finals for 3rd and 4th place
2pm: Final of The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel
3.30pm: Prize-giving ceremony, presentation of Most Valuable Player and Best Playing Pony Awards and photo shoot
The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel Teams are as follows:
Bendura Bank (12):
Melissa Ganzi (1/USA)
Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8/USA)
Tito Gaudenzi (3/CH)
Engel & Völkers (12):
Kutlay Yaprak (1/TUR)
Agustin Kronhaus (4/ARG)
Adrian Laplacette Jr. (7/ARG)
Cîroc Vodka (12):
Sebastian Schneberger (2/GER),
Aki van Andel (3/NED)
Valentin Novillo Astrada (7/ARG)
Bernd Gruber (10):
Eduardo Greghi (0/BRA)
Grant Ganzi (3/USA)
Pierre Henri Ngoumou (7/FR)
Corum (10):
Eckhardt Juls (0/GER)
Patrick Maleitzke (4/GER)
Juan Ruiz-Guiñazú (6/ARG)
Maserati (10):
Marc Aberle (1/GER)
Caspar Crasemann (4/GER)
Thomas Winter (5/GER)
Commentator: Jan-Erik Franck
Umpire: Mark Holmes
The Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2019 programme starts on Thursday 17th January, with the team presentations at Hotel zur Tenne in the heart of Kitzbühel village. Following this time-honoured start, matches will get underway on Friday 18th January and continue until the Final on Sunday 20th January. For more information about the event, please click here – www.kitzbuehelpolo.com
Photograph courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel. The photo can be used free of charge for editorial purposes. In this context, you are required to use a photo credit.
Media will find a choice of accredited images at www.kitzbuehelpolo.com/media
If you require high resolution images, please contact kitz@polotimes.co.uk
For journalist accreditation, please contact the Accreditation Office:
Christina Schockemöhle, schockemoehle@sasse-schockemoehle.com Tel + 49 – 171 – 208 5522
For more information and support at the tournament please contact:
English speaking Journalists: Jen Liggins, Call + 44 – 7817 – 254 – 879
German speaking Journalists: Stefanie Stüting, Call + 49 – 171 – 788 2264
