World #1 Confirmed For Burton NZ Open

World #1 Confirmed For Burton NZ Open

World superpipe champion, Keir Dillon (USA), is confirmed for the Southern Hemisphere’s premier snowboarding event, the Burton NZ Open at Cardrona Alpine Resort on 16-17 July 2004.

Dillon comes to New Zealand fresh from the Northern Hemisphere competitive circuit where he achieved first place in the World Superpipe Championships in Park City, USA as well as podium finishes in the 2004 X Games and US Open. He is widely regarded as one of the great ambassadors of snowboarding with his charismatic nature, explosive riding and commitment to the sport.

The Burton NZ Open is the first event in the World Open Series which also includes the US, Nippon and European Opens. Last year it attracted Olympic Gold Medalists Ross Powers and Kelly Clark. The 2004 field is set to include Australia’s #1 and #2 half pipe riders, Marcus Wherle and Ben Bright as well up and coming brother and sister team Molly and Mason Aguire from USA. Current New Zealand national champion Quentin Robbins as well as National Half Pipe Champion Aaron Jamieson and Slopestyle Champion Dylan Butt will all pit their skills against the world’s best for a share in the $10,000 prize pool.

Guy Alty of Burton said having such top-level riders visit New Zealand is a huge bonus for local riders and the development of competition in the Southern Hemisphere.

“It’s epic we have the world champion and the young future of the sport competing here in New Zealand. Keir is a role model to snowboarders around the world and having him here in New Zealand is inspirational for our local riders. His approach to competition is about charging the biggest airs and putting on a show for the crowd so we can guarantee some spectacular riding during the event.”

The Vodafone Rail Jam will take place on Friday 16 July. This invitational event will showcase the world’s top riders on Cardrona’s Heavy Metal Terrain Trail. Judging is rider based and spectator influenced. Qualifiers for the Open will also take place on Friday. The top six men and three women will then join the sport’s elite riders on Saturday 17 July for a crack at the prize pool and the prestige of winning the New Zealand Open.

Keir Dillon, Molly and Mason Aguire, Juliane Bray (NZ #1 Women), Dylan Butt and Tim Jackways will be signing autographs and posters at S&C Snowboards in Queenstown at 5pm on Thursday 15 July.

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6 July 2004

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