Results:   Day 1: Free-Riding Wanaka Backcountry: Men: 1   Antonin Lieutaghi  Fra 2  Dan Coffey  U S 3   Philippe Bataille  Fra Women: 1   Karleen Jeffery   Canada 2   Pepe Ahonen   Switz 3   Marg Cossettini  Au Day 1: Free Riding Day 2: Extreme Day 3: Chinese Downhill Wanaka Big Air Qualifications at Cardrona 1997 Heli-Challenge ZONE CLOTHING Boarder Zone T By me here!

Deep powder snow, blue skies and steep, rolling terrain greeted the sixty world-class free riders in the Rip Curl World Heli Challenge. On remote and never before boarded terrain in New Zealand's Southern Alps, the competitors were treated to a superb day of helicopter-accessed riding.

Event Director, Tony Harrington was ecstatic about the first of three days of competition.
"It couldn't have gone better - everyone had a ball. Great snow and great weather, combined with awesome riding reinforces that this event is at the forefront of free riding in the world."

Competitors were given two runs and were judged on difficulty of jumps and moves, how well they were completed and the number of moves executed in each run. Points were also awarded for overall impression, taking into account fluidity, control and the 'x-factor' - the amount of style and flair displayed.

The men's snow boarding was won by French man Antonin Lieutaghi. Judge Nick Perata described Antonin's style as 'circus-like', referring to his acrobatic training at a circus school. The only competitor to somersault three times in one run, Antonin pulled some breath taking tricks and jumps at high speed and with great composure.

In a very close second place, Alaskan Dan Coffey impressed the judges with his very smooth and effortless style while executing huge jumps of over 15 metres. In his competitor profile, Dan listed his sponsor as 'Mr Coffey', highlighting the level of personal commitment he has made to compete in the event.

The only competitor to perfectly execute a double back flip was third place getter Philippe Bataille (FRA). Philippe rarely enters into events, preferring the freedom of snow boarding with his friends, however he was attracted to the unique free riding nature of the Rip Curl World Heli Challenge.

Second to Karleen Jeffery in the women's snow boarding was Pepe Ahonen (SWI), a well-known athlete who is recognised as a member of a new generation of women snow boarders with an aggressive approach to riding. Third place went to Marguerite Cossettini (AUS), a former world boardercross champion. Marguerite's calm and mature style resulted in two faultless runs.

Stay tuned for more reports....




Boarder Zone Correspondent - Chris Vile