Pykalainen triumphs in Longines Future Ski Champions race

St. Moritz (Switzerland), February 2017 - For the first time since its inception in 2013 at the initiative of the Swiss watch brand Longines, the Longines Future Ski Champions race took place during the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, currently taking place in St. Moritz, Switzerland. This event provides a unique opportunity to discover the future stars of international skiing and to see them go head-to-head in a giant slalom run in conditions identical to those faced by the professionals. For this fourth edition of the race, Erika Pykalainen was crowned champion, ahead of Aline Hopli (+01:00) and Clarisse Breche (+02:11). The event's patron had also been chosen from amongst the very best of the discipline: Mikaela Shiffrin, Longines Ambassador of Elegance.

For the fourth edition of the Longines Future Ski Champions race, 13 was the key number, as on February 13, 13 young women from 13 countries had the unique opportunity to follow the example of their idols and to prove themselves against the most promising international skiers in the U16 category, on the official slope of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Selected by their respective ski federations, the promising athletes had the honour of receiving their bibs on the eve of the race from the hands of Longines Ambassador of Elegance Shiffrin. The American champion – a source of inspiration for these young athletes thanks to her triumphs and the values of respect and fair play she promotes – attended the ceremony as the patron of the 2017 edition of the event.

This year, the Longines Future Ski Champions title was claimed by Pykalainen, ahead of Hopli and Breche, after an exciting competition on the Salastrains slope. As a reward for her victory, the 2017 winner Pykalainen received a Longines watch, as well as the event’s trophy. In addition, she earned the Finish Federation considerable funding to promote the discipline among young people.

This is the second time that St. Moritz hosted the Longines Future Ski Champions as last year the race took place during the FIS World Cup Finals. Longines is therefore perpetuating a tradition dating back over a century that links the brand to the Alpine village by virtue of its timekeeping of the sporting events held at the resort. After becoming Official Watch of St. Moritz in 2015, the brand marked this partnership by launching an exclusive watch designed specifically for the Engadine village: the Conquest St. Moritz. The hints of yellow and blue on the hands, dial and flange are reminiscent of the iconic St. Moritz logo, which is engraved on the back of the case.

Did not finish 1st run : Ida Candert (SWE) Jin Chey (KOR)

Did not finish 2nd run : Tina Schadle (AUT) Paulina Ringvold (NOR) Judith Schneider (GER)

Based in St. Imier, Switzerland, since 1832, the watch producer Longines boasts a know-how forged out of tradition, elegance and performance. With its long experience as a timekeeper for world championships and the partner of various international sports federations, Longines has, over the years, established close and lasting links with the world of sport. Renowned for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of horological products. With its famous winged hourglass logo, Longines has outlets in over 150 countries.

Longines International Public Relations

2610 St. Imier, Switzerland

publicrelations@longines.com

http://www.longines.com