Slovenian raceboarder Jernej Demsar has not officially announced his retirement from the World Cup tour yet, but rumour has it that the 31-year-old won't be back on snow as a competitive racer.

Demsar, who has been travelling the world for the Slovenian Alpine Snowboard team since December 2004 and competed in 84 World Cup races as well as three world championships, will now focus on his successful kite surf school as well as coaching some up-and-coming shredders from his home country.

Asked about his future plans and wether he will enter the 2015-16 season, Jerry just smiled and said he won't be in this winter but maybe come back the one after. However: “Chances are really small!”

Nevertheless, he is happy with how far he has come by now:

“When I look back, I'm actually surprised for how long I was a part of the game as pro rider. Time passes by so quickly when you feel good. And yes, I had a great time on tour! I have collected many experiences, have met a lot of people and traveled a lot. This is priceless and a good backing for the future,“ recalls Demsar, who had to suffer from quite a lot injuries over the past ten years.

In the end, this could be a reason why he missed to podium once at least in his career. However, he finished in fourth position twice, both times being defeated by Austrians (Prommegger and Grabner).

˝Maybe those problems stopped me from being more consistent on the World Cup tour, and that is why I have so much respect for riders like Jasey Jay Anderson who manage to race without injuries and keep on being on top for so long,˝ says Demsar whilst outlining that he will never forget one special race.

˝It was in Kreischberg back in 2009. It was very cold, but the course conditions were great, and it was a pleasure to race in front of a big crowd under the lights with a lot of Slovenian fans. And that race was unbelievable successful for our team. It was just like national championships.

In the end, almost the whole Slovenian team made it to the quarters. Flander finished second, Kosir third, Marguc fourth, I was seventh and Sustersic just missed the finals finishing 17th that day.˝

With a lot of experience to his belt, Demsar will now try to pass on his knowledge:

“Coaching youngsters is a new big challenge for me. For sure we will visit Rogla for the World Cup event, so they will be able to feel the energy which comes along with such a top race event.”

Until then, the former athlete looks forward to meet all the riders again with whom he traveled the world: “I wish them all a great season with no injuries. Have fun!”

Source: fis-ski.com