Ruka, Finland – April 4th, 2009: In the mystic forest of Northern Finland, where the reindeer roam freely, the Ruka BatteryPark saw see an all girls ultimate showdown - the 3Star Oakley Girlsessions. The event now in its sixth year, joined the Swatch TTR Tour giving the riders an opportunity to collect last minute ranking points. The crowds loved the sunshine and the fresh cold weather and were appreciating the high level of riding. The winner, Enni Rukajärvi (FIN) took home the valuable 400 Swatch TTR points and $1000. Second place went to Heidi Paumola (FIN). Rounding up the Top 3 was Saana Pehkonen (FIN), with Agnieszka Rusin (POL) finishing in fourth.
The BatteryPark was perfectly shaped and provided a progressive playground
for the girls, with its double kicker line and diverse rail section. The international
riders were impressed by the park and enjoyed the exotic experience, “It’s
easily one of the best parks I have ridden in Europe” says Agnieszka Rusin.
18-year old Enni Rukajärvi was stoked to win on home terrain and was especially
content to up her TTR ranking points. “Bringing a TTR event here is great
for all us Finnish girl riders, as there are not too many opportunities here
at this level. It really gives a chance for the riders to develop” she
says.
Local girl Enni Rukajärvi put down some solid runs early on and went through
to the finals as the top qualifier with her second run: a switch BS 180 indy
to BS 540 indy to cab 360 FS grab on the jumps, followed by a rail section where
she stomped a cab 180 on 180 off the butter box and switch boardslide on the
kink box. Rookie talent at its best, she has been bagging in some great results
this season such as 3rd place at the 4Star Horsefeathers Pleasure Jam and winning
the 2Star Finnish Snowboarding Championships the week before. This girl stomps
her tricks and rides like a goddess. Her winning run was a (huge) cab540 mute
to BS 540 indy to switch BS 360 and cab 180 on 180 off to switch 50-50.
Heidi Paumola (FIN) earned the second spot on the podium with a BS 360 tailgrab,
FS 720 indy, method air and a styled rail section with a 180 on 180 off the
butterbox and a gap to FS boardslide on the kink box. Saana Pehkonen, who came
in third place with a cab180 method to BS 360 followed by a FS 180 on the last
jump to 270 on 270 off the box and a FS boardslide on the last obstacle.
“There was a really amazing level at the event today. I have not seen
this level of female riding in Finland before”, commented head judge Satu
Järvelä (former pro-rider).
The four day long event brought together all levels of girl freestyle enthusiast
and included a fun fancy dress team event, coaching and a ski competition. Culminating
into the 3Star TTR Slopestyle competition this is an event not to be missed,
so make sure you book your flights ready for next year’s event. And check
out the video and photos on www.tyttosessarit.com. You can find more information
on the rankings, riders and other events from www.ttrworldtour.com.
Results at Oakley Girlsessions 2009
1. Enni Rukajärvi
2. Heidi Paumola
3. Saana Pehkonen
4. Agnieska Rusin
5. Hanne Kauko
6. Juulia Timlin
7. Merika Enne
8. Jenni Koli
9. Veera Vihervaara
10. Sanna Niilola
11. Tytti Alapieti
12. Nicole Sommerauer
13. Kristiina Nisula
14. Anni Kuortti
15. Ruut Laukkanen
16. Suvi Suitiala
17. Silja Suitiala
18. Hanna Laukkanen
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