Copper Mountain, Colorado (10 January 2013) – Day two of the Sprint US Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, Colorado saw New Zealanders compete in the men’s freeski slopestyle and snowboard halfpipe events.
Featuring both halfpipe and slopestyle competitions in freeski and snowboard, the Copper Mountain event has attracted a huge field of top class competitors. Competitors have the opportunity to gain FIS qualification points necessary for athletes hoping to compete in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. In addition, skiers can collect Association of Freeskiing Professional (AFP) points and snowboarders World Snowboard Tour points.
Flat light meant that conditions for the men’s freeski slopestyle were not ideal. Jossi Wells landed a new run for the first time in competition including back-to-back switch left and right double 1080s to score 79.6 and place third in his heat. He missed out on finals qualification with an overall place of 21st.
Beau-James Wells scored a 78 on his second run for a fifth place finish in the same heat and 25th overall.
Other New Zealanders in the competition included Hamish McDougall and Alec Savery who placed 55th and 81st respectively. Byron Wells has sustained a minor soft tissue injury and chose not to compete in today’s event. He is scheduled to compete in tomorrow’s halfpipe finals.
Click here for results of the men’s freeski slopestyle qualifiers
Hamish Bagley was the sole New Zealand representative in the men’s snowboard halfpipe, claiming 18th in his heat and 71st overall.
click here for results of the men's snowboard halfpipe
Competition continues tomorrow with the women’s snowboard slopestyle.
Ends
12 years ago