The first riders arrived at Cardrona Alpine Resort at 6.30am this morning
to start practising for the half pipe event in the K2 Snowboard Challenge.
By 10am the pipe was packed with 90 riders competing for a $1000 in cash
and $2500 in prizes.
The new halfpipe at Cardrona Alpine Resort had been well shaped for the
event using the new mechanical shaper. The smoothness of the transition
and size of the walls made sure it stuck out as the best competition pipe
the riders had seen so far this year.
The junior field was dominated by visiting Japanese rider Shinsuke Hoshino.
However emerging talent was on view with Jamie Bassett of Nelson pulling
off some difficult manoeuvres very smoothly to place a well-deserved
second. Haidee Mayen of Wanaka continued her success from the slalom the
day before to take both of the junior women's titles.
In the open competition the women's event was notable for the success of
New Zealand riders against their Japanese counterparts. In the past two
years Japanese riders have dominated the women's pipe competition.
This year promises to be different with Juliane Bray and Suzy Parker, both
of Wanaka taking first and second. Pamela Bell, NZ Alpine champion rode
smoothly to a fifth place result.
The men's open produced the 'big airs' of the day. Dylan Butt was the
consistent performer of the day. The young Queenstown rider was a real
crowd pleaser. Close behind him were Aaron Jamieson, of Queenstown, and
Gareth Mowat, of Wanaka, who was last seen competing as a junior in the
1996 Nationals.
Boarder Zone Correspondent - Nigel Kerr
