British Halfpipe Championships

Laax’s tropical weather combined with MC James Thorne’s whimsical banter had the crowd vibed on the banks beside the halfpipe. The hot weather did mean the pipe slushed-up as the day went on but that didn’t’ stop world class halfpipe runs being thrown down with huge methods, Mctwists and Haakon flips. Ultimately it was The BRITS’ veterans Ben Kilner and Kate Foster who impressed the judges enough to land themselves gold.

The girls were first up and all-bar-one of finalists were born in the ‘90s, showcasing the next generation of female talent rising through the ranks in Britain. But it was 25 year-old Kate Foster’s age and experience that shone through with her huge japan air and front and back 3’s. 14 year-old Nathalie Silkstone picked up silver with a display of indies and methods as well as a frontside 360, a cab 3 and a backside alley oop. Becky Menday took bronze with front and back 3’s as well as indy, nose, mute and stalefish grabs showing she has great promise in the pipe.

Kate Foster quoted: “It’s really nice here at the Brits, in the World Cups it’s a whole different kind of competition, but it’s just as nerve-wracking here when you drop into the pipe because you’ve got all your friends here so you still want to ride your best”

Ben Kilner, Britain’s most successful Olympian snowboarder, clinched gold with a colossal method, front 7 and 9 and a Haakon. He also dedicated his japan air on his last run to all those who have been affected by the earthquake in Japan. Dom Harrington had been looking hot all week in practice landing double Haakon flips and his first run was breath-taking. He stomped a huge McTwist, front 7, a techy haakon flip as well as both spaghetti and mute board grabs. In his second run Dom tried to pull out his double Haakon and failed but thanks to his solid first run it was enough for him to take his forth podium in as many years. In third place was former Olympian Dan Wakeman with a faultless run including a huge tail-grab, front 7, Haakon and one of his signature cripplers.

Ben Kilner quoted: “I absolutely love competing here, the Olympics has been a great comp for my career but here it’s just great for British snowboarding so it’s great to come every year. I just come out here and give it my all. It’s an amazing place to come and show off all your tricks you’ve learnt throughout the year.”

British Snowboard Halfpipe Championships Results
Men Women
1st Ben Kilner 1st Kate Foster
2nd Dom Harington 2nd Nathalie Gabrielle Louise Silkstone
3rd Dan Wakeham 3rd Becky Menday

Don’t forget to check out the BRITS 2011 daily webcasts and picture galleries at www.the-brits.com, where you will be able to check out the Snowboard and Freeski action from the previous day’s competition.

The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour, would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Giro, Protest, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Garmin and Snow+Rock. Demo partners: Ride, Salomon, K2 & Volkl snowboards and Line & K2 skis. Media partners: Whitelines, Huck, Flipside, Extreme Sports Channel, Downdays.eu, Skiclub.co.uk, Natives.co.uk, Metrosnow.co.uk and Snowboardclub.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and LAAX.