Vegard Hoidalen is a man with a mission. Fresh from winter training in Tenerife,  the big "Viking Vegard" is back, refreshed and waiting to tackle the 2002 season with his long-time playing partner Jorre André Kjemperud.

The Norwegian duo put their firm imprint in the sand last season, finishing a highly creditable third at the 2001 World Championships in Austria, as well as rounding off the season sixth in the overall rankings.

The World Championship bronze medal at Klagenfurt was a special moment for the tough Norwegian player, who freely admits that the lakeside tournament Austria is one of his favorites. "It's simply the best," Vegard says. This year he will get another shot at glory when the Tour returns to the southern Austrian lakeside resort for the Grand Slam event July 31-Aug. 4.

One of the most colorful and formidable of competitors, the big 1.93m Norwegian has been playing Beach since the age of 11 and with a regime of 20-30 hours of training a week, has made it his full-time profession since 1995. He works hard at his job and gives praise to his two coaches - Kaare Mul and Tor Inge Askeland.