Inaugural V-Ski Pipe Jam Success Despite Weather

Sun, 08 Aug 2004

Inaugural V-Ski Pipe Jam Success Despite Weather

Nearly 40 skiers braved the cold winter conditions, snow showers and variable visibility at Cardrona Alpine Resort today for the inaugural V-Ski Pipe Jam in the Moro Monster Superpipe.

As a rider judged event, competitors were competing for the respect of their peers as well as a share of the $1,500 prize pool and the level of riding was high as they spun, flipped and switched their way down the pipe.

Yuta Ueno of Japan won the vote for best overall performance and also took out the Senior Men¹s title. Decker Jory (USA) was hot on his heels in second while local Wanaka rider, Lyndon Sheehan was third at age just 15.

The Senior Women¹s competition was very close with Pip Simmonds of Wellington taking the most number of votes, closely followed by Sarah Gillespie and Amy Sheehan, both of Wanaka, who drew for second place.

³It was an awesome turn out with some great skiing,² said Charles Cochrane from event sponsor, Volkl. ³Yuta went massive out of the pipe pulling sick 900¹s. He also had some pretty meaty crashes, at one point leaving his skis on top of the pipe wall while he was at the bottom! It was also good to see so many girls competing ­ their skiing is just going from strength to strength this season. Also special mention of Elliott Mason (Wanaka) has to be made. At seven he was the youngest by four years and the pipe was over three times his height but he still gave it a good go. It¹s wicked to see these little groms go so hard. ²

The Wanaka kids ruled the Junior Men¹s. Eleven-year-old Byron Wells earned more than the lion¹s share of the votes to take first while Hamish McDougall (13) was some way behind him in second. Matt Soundy (13) came in third. Only two junior girls braved the massive Monster Superpipe with Wanaka¹s Nicole Andrew (12) just pipping Hannah James (11) to first.

ENDS

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