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Giulia Monego from Italy didn't expect a second place at all. In her first time ever Big Mountain competition, she said she was just happy being able to follow the line she had chosen in the inspection. It's Giulia's second winter living in Verbier.
Today's third placed Lorraine Huber from Austria went in the middle section between the two main couloirs, being very fluid and taking a technically difficult line, combining it with little jumps.
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In the men's category, judges decisions were quite close. Winner Ted Davenport describes his run as follows:
"Right from the top I had a nice fifteen footer into a really good pocket of snow, it was just a blower. This set me up into the kind of middle section with some nice sketchy 'S' turns, then I did some small airs just over some boulders. Then I cut into the crock section, that's how we call it, where there is the 'no fall zone'. I made some nice turns and checked out where my take off was gonna be and aired into the couloir that kind of dog legged out of the no fall zone." |
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And....
"I saw Ian (McIntosh) skiing from the top and we were talking about our lines hiking up together. He chose quite of a different line, a little more softer, a little bit less technical in some sections and so I was curious how that would score. For me to be as good a skier as Ian is pretty cool, he is such a great guy and such a good competitor."
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His Canadian mate and big favourite for the event Ian McIntosh ended up in second place:
"I'm definitely happy with my run. I stayed on my feet, I did all the features I wanted to. My one Big Air was a bit tricky at the reception, I hit some rocks on the next turn. My style in these events is to ski fast and fluid and I think it looks better for the spectators. Here in Europe I know everybody loves ski racing cause it's fast. Freeskiing can be fast as well, and that's what I'm trying to show!" |
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Third placed 'typical Chamoniard styled' Brice Rollet showed a very technical but fluid line, combining a big cliff jump with a safe landing with high speed as well as high control in some spooky sections.
"I haven't been to Verbier before, although it's so close to Chamonix. Now I know I'm gonna come back next year! I definitely prefer the events in Europe than in the US, its just so much more friendly and cooler.
Asking him about a comparison of Verbier and Chamonix, he laughs and says:
"Oh, it's of course better at home (admitting that he has to say this). No, serious, Verbier is wonderful. The mountains are maybe not as big, but the relief is quite similar with granite and beautiful faces. Speaking about the alps, its probably THE place to be!" |
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Tonight, all Big Mountain skiers are gonna go out to celebrate a beautiful days skiing. At the same time, all skiercrossers are getting ready for their runs in 'La Chaux' tomorrow. CU there! |
Written by Melina Holzer (melinaholzer@verbierride.com)
Images by Marco Shapiro, Peter Charaf, Yves Garneau |
