Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Battle of Waterloo

The battle happened on 18 June 1815. some 200 years later snowboarders from France and Britain took up there boards as weapons and went to battle in the Avoriaz Snow park.

George was official photographer and I was roped in to comparing the day; and what a day.

The battle took place on Saturday and was geared towards fun and finding new talent.

In the morning session French and British amateur riders make there way through the Avoriaz Jump Park trying to impress judges.

At Lunch time over a BBQ Judges announced the winners of the morning comp. the top 3 French and British Amateurs then join up with 3 French and British Pros to compete in the afternoon battle.

As a skier I’m not usually too excited by Gay’s On Trays but Saturday changed all that. The atmosphere generated by everone involved and the crowds watching was electric and the competitors just kept on pulling out amazing stuff: Corked 7s to manuals, laid-out backs off huge 30ft hits, 270s onto crook down rails and much, much more.

The French ended up taking the trophy with constant excellence but the high light for me was from Amateur Billy X (not sure of surname) who had an inspired day. After a crowd pleasing laid-out back-flip he went right back up and without warning nailed a spectacular double-Back off the biggest jump in the world! It was amazing and the smile couldn’t be peeled from his face for the rest of the day.

What a fantastic day.

T

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