Where to Ski And Snowboard - Brit boarder success in top events

Brit boarder success in top events

4th February 2010, by Chris Gill

©Nissan Freeride de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 2010 / D.Carlier

The best of British snowboarders have been outperforming their rivals in three different disciplines around the globe. Three of our leading snowboarders have won medals this week in freeriding, half-pipe and the Winter X-Cross games.

The Freeride World Tour series that was postponed from Sochi (Russia) began in Chamonix instead, where competitor James Stentiford became the first Brit to be placed in the extreme event – which involved precision timing and heart-stopping control to negotiate the cliff drops and icy faces of the Pentes de l’Hotel in the Brévent sector. A delighted Stentiford was placed third in the competition.

Further afield in North America, our young Winter Olympic hopeful Ben Kilner scored himself a third place in the World Cup half-pipe series – taking place in Calgary, Canada. The result has boosted his overall ranking in the World Cup standings to 43rd position. The 21-year-old is now in a good position going into the Olympics, just days away.

And there has been great news from our local Bristol-based rider, Jenny Jones. Jones has just scooped gold in the Winter X-Cross games in Aspen, Colorado. It is the second year running that Jones has won the event, and the first Briton to win consecutive gold medals. The competition is known as ‘Slopestyle’ and incorporates a course of jumps and rails, where points are awarded for technicality and style. Jones notched up 92.66 points in a near ‘perfect’ display of twists and turns, competing against fellow top female riders. Sadly, she isn’t placed in team GB heading to Whistler.