The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel is just 9 days away, so let the countdown begin! Grab your warmest outfit and start packing because it’s time to announce the teams.
The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel 2019 is set to be bigger and better than ever before. From Thursday 17th January until Sunday 20th January, celebrities, polo fans and international polo professionals will gather in the Tyrolean Alps for the highlight of the winter season. Six of the world’s best snow polo teams, with some new faces from across the pond, will battle it out for the coveted trophy, in three days of exciting, fast-paced and exclusive polo.
This year’s instalment will once again see the support of the Snow Polo World Cup’s long-standing sponsors, Bendura Bank with their 2018 winning team back to fight to reclaim the trophy. With exactly the same line-up perhaps these three polo powerhouses can continue their snow polo magic. Swiss watch manufacturer Corum will once again support this exciting event with iconic brands Engel & Völkers and 2018 runners up Maserati taking to the field, as well as interior design firm Bernd Gruber, who will be back for their tenth bout at claiming Kitz glory, this year with an entirely new line-up. Furthermore, this year’s event will welcome some exciting new sponsors in the form of new team sponsor Cîroc Vodka, Official Suppliers Cohiba Cigars, Pommery Champagne and alpine lifestyle brand Luis Trenker. Finally, international brands Dallmayr Café and technology powerhouse Bang & Olufsen.
What’s more, this year’s social events will welcome a plethora of exciting acts, with the fun commencing in front of the Hotel Zur Tenne as the teams are presented to the world’s press. Later that evening, the six teams will gather in the atmospheric Casino Kitzbühel for the first in an exciting array of evening events, welcoming back old friends and celebrating everything that is exciting about snow polo. On the evening of Saturday 19th January, the 15-strong Ten Ahead show band will take to the stage at the Gala Dinner to entertain and delight the 800 guests as well as well-known comedian Oliver Pocher who will charm the audience with his wit and magnetism. And, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for one of Kitzbühel’s most famous faces, and Polo Club Kitzbühel Brand Ambassador, Haddaway.
Event organiser and 2018 champion with the Bendura Bank team, Tito Gaudenzi said, “It is so exciting to be back for another year of bumper snow polo in Kitzbühel. Our six teams are this year blessed with some new faces as well as welcoming back past champions, so we can’t wait to get the tournament under way. It is, without doubt, set to be the best Snow Polo World Cup yet!”
“What would snow polo be without an exciting array of social activities alongside, to really enthral our guests and players?”, said Bendura Bank CEO and lead sponsor Dr Andreas Insam. “We are thrilled to once again be involved with this electrifying event and can’t wait to see what the weekend has in store.”
VIP-Tickets via www.kitzbuehelpolo.com
The 17th Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel Teams:
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 (12):
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-Guiñazu (6/ARG)
Maserati (10):
Marc Aberle (1/GER)
Thomas Winter (5/GER)
Caspar Crasemann (4/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.
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