A fresh face on the Swatch TTR Tour, the Slovenian Cilka Sadar appeared on the TTR event circuit with a bang in 2008/2009, finishing her winter in an impressive World No 12. She competed at many of the 6Star events and placed 8th at the 6Star Burton European Open halfpipe. Her skills are consistently improving and she can confidently tackle both halfpipe and slopestyle formats.  

Cilka’s background as a gymnast has surely helped her along her way as she has paved her way through this seasons events. In 2009/2010 she has nailed some heavy results, such as 2^nd Place at the 6Star O’Neill Evolution halfpipe and 4^th place in the halfpipes of both 6Star Burton European Open and 5Star Burton Canadian Open. She is a down to earth, yet highly motivated competitor and is one to keep an eye out for on the TTR Tour. She also had a spot to ride at the Vancouver Olympics, which is a nice achievement from the 18 year old.She finished in 17th place in Vancouver. Her Swatch TTR season ended in World No. 9 but with yet another top 10 finish at the Burton New Zealand Open, it remains to see where Cilka will go in 2010/11.

INTERVIEW WITH CILKA IN JANUARY 2010

You are from Slovenia. The country is getting more well known for their snowboarding scene. How did you get into snowboarding and who thought you your first steps and tricks on the board?

I used to train gymnastics and after I quit, when I was 13, I tried lots of different sports. After a year I found snowboarding the most interesting so I concentrated just on that.
Some Hansi from Austria thought me first turns and next season I signed up in a snowboarding club in my hometown and they thought me my first tricks.

Where do you usually ride and with who?
When Im at home I usually go to Vogel, otherwise I'm just riding where the competitions are, or depends where snow is.
I like to ride with my friends from back home, but when I'm away I like to hang out with Sarka because she motivates me with her positive energy and with Marko, because he knows a lot and can help me a lot too.

What is the snowboard scene in Slovenia like?
Its not big, but its getting better every year. We have a lot of snowboarding clubs, we have 3 parks and kids know a lot about the snowboarding scene abroad.

You are in the Slovenian National Team and will represent your country at the Olympics in 2010. How does this affect your riding goals in general and your training?
Last year after World Championship I got an opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. Trainings changed a bit, I rode more in pipe than slopestyle. My goal for Vancouver is just to do the best that I can, because I still think I am a beginner at all this stuff so I rather don’t expect too much.

Beside the Olympics Games, what are your goals for your snowboard career? Where would you like to see yourself on the TTR Tour?
In the upcoming season I would like to do my best on the TTR, I wanna finish in the top.

How and when did you begin your competitive snowboarding career?
I started in 2007, with some Big Air European cups in Innsbruck I think.

Since 2007, you have been in many contests on the TTR Tour and outside of it. What is the most thrilling part of contests for you? Do you have plans for filming or photo shoots?
I think contests are good for young riders to prove themselves and I think its good to be a bit competitive, it can help you with different stuff in your life. I would really like to film and shoot too.

How did you end up competing outside Slovenia?
My coach gave me a ride abroad.


How did you find your first sponsors? Which part was particularly difficult when you started your professional snowboard career and which was easy?
My friend helped me to write an email to a local store dealer, I had a meeting and I got a snowboard for free.:)
Im not a professional yet, but I think dealing with all the sponsors alone it is difficult, because you have to represent yourself in the best way you can and shouldn’t sound too confident at the same time. Easy part with me is that I have the family that supports me and help me a lot.


You are still going to school. How do you combine the two things and is it your goal to make snowboarding your career once you have graduated?
I still go to a normal high school. Always in the beginning of the school year I talk to all the professors and let them know my situation. I can pick the dates of exams by myself, that’s how they make my education easier.:)
I will still try to do my best in snowboarding after my graduation, but I will apply to the university too, because Im scared I would get to lazy if I don’t apply straight away.