SPRING DAYS ON THE MENU FOR AUSTRALIAN OPEN SLOPESTYLE FINALS
Sat 3rd September 2005Saturday saw a super sunny day and a full field to compete in the Slope style event at the Australian Open of Snowboarding. International riders Mikkel Bang, Louie Vito, Kevin Pearce, Matts Kulisek and Luke Mitrani - Just to mention a few were all out in force in the 300 meter long slopestyle course on Perisher Blues front valley.
The course was looking great after a cold nigh with all riders taking to the course for the 1 ½ hour practice session. The course was one of the best that Perisher has produced over the years with a gap to flat down box to start, into a gap to flat down rail, into an option with a battle ship box or 20ft hit. These top obstacles then lead into a 30 ft and a 45 ft into a massive quarter pipe with wall ride to finish off. It was a very technical course with all riders having to stick all and keep speed to nail a complete line through the entire course. It certainly tested some riders.
During the qualifiers the BBQ was started and all riders relaxed in the rider's tent with sausages and drinks to keep them comfortable while waiting for the next ride.
Qualifying and semi finals saw some crazy lines with the course staying fast and hard through out he morning. As the sun got hotter and the course slowed up, a load of work was required to keep the track and booters hard.
The sun ducked away for the afternoon finals, A little behind schedule we moved into the finals with the Top 16 men and top 8 women all taking two runs in the finals. The best run counted.
The USA contingent took to the finals like mad men, showing all how far advanced they are in there riding skill levels. 9's, 7's and inverted spin were all being thrown down for the final.
In the end it was the Americans that dominated with Kevin Pearce and Danny Davis fighting out for 1st, in the end it was 0.5that separated them. Australian rider Nick Gregory stoke third place with the last run of the day, throwing down a perfect line top to bottom with a couple of sevens and some very smooth jibs at the top of the course. The next placed Australian was Shay Paxton with the competition superstar throwing down a great run with his trademark Paco Flips and skill on the rails. These Australian results really show all that Australia is beginning to produce riders that can certainly compete on the global level and when pushed by an international field can lift to the occasion.
In the Women's final American teenager Elena Hight easily took fist place with a couple of nice spins and lofty straight airs. Following in second place Australian Ali Deane and in Third place Amanda Beckinsdale.
All in all another great day in the sunny Australian Mountains, a great course, amazing riding and a bunch of smiling faces.
If you are in Australia be sure to catch all in the action and fun on Channel V this Thursday and Friday night from 6pm, or Cactus Garden on 25th September and 2nd October at 12noon or Fuel TV on the 16th of October at 8.30pm.
MENS
1st - Kevin Pearce (USA)
2nd - Danny Davis (USA)
3rd - Nick Gregory (AUS)
WOMENS
1st - Elena Hight (USA)
2nd - Ali Deane (USA)
3rd - Amanda Beckinsdale (AUS)
JUNIORS
1st - Mitch Mould (AUS)
2nd - Sam Griffith (AUS)
3rd - Jarrod Williams (AUS)
