Castellet and James take Copper halfpipe wins, Mastro and Miller top US riders
Dec 15, 2019·Snowboard Park & Pipe
It was another snowy day in Copper Mountain (USA) on Sunday, but that wouldn't slow down Queralt Castellet (ESP) and Scotty James (AUS), who powered through the tough conditions in impressive fashion to claim the respective women's and men's victories at the seaons-opening Land Rover US Grand Prix halfpipe World Cup.
Riding strong and fast, with good amplitude throughout her run, Castellet seperated herself from the pack early in the day with a first-run score of 87.75 that would not be caught as weather conditions worsened through the afternoon.
"Today was hard, so I believe my experience paid off well," Castellet said from the finish area, "We knew the weather was coming in and there was already a bit of of snow in the halfpipe when we started, so I decided to go with a strong run from the beginning instead of just doing a safe run to start out, and that paid off well. The weather really came in hard after that and my run held up, so I'm stoked."
U.S. Snowboard Pro Team member Maddie Mastro landed her third-consecutive podium appearance at Copper Mountain, Colo., Saturday at the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix. She persevered through difficult weather conditions, which hindered speed in the beautifully built 22-foot superpipe.
“It’s always nice being back here it Copper,” said Maddie. “The pipe is always dialed. Today the weather was challenging, but somehow when I compete at Copper, I find a way to put everything together. I’m stoked to be on the podium."
Prior to Maddie’s final run, there was a surge of high winds complete with the heaviest snowfall of the day. It was almost as if mother nature was sending a message reminding everyone in the venue that snowboarding is an outdoor sport.
“Watching the wind and snow roll in at the most inopportune time possible was definitely a lot to handle,” she commented. “I just tried my best to stay in the right mindset, so when the weather did clear I could do my best to put down a run. I had a run that I wanted to put down, but mother nature was a little angry at me.”
Unfortunately, the fresh snow in the pipe accumulated to the point where speed was difficult to find, so Maddie’s run and the remaining men’s runs were conservative.
Jiayu Liu of China finished in second place on the day, taking advantage of decent weather to put down a solid run one that earned her a score of 80.00 and her career's 19th podium.
Coming off a perfect six-for-six season in 2018/19, Scotty James picked up right where he left off last season by taking the first win of 2019/20 with a standout performance on Saturday. It was James' third straight win in Copper Mountain, and the 25-year-old was duly pleased with his performance at the venue where he's had so much success.
"It feels absolutely amazing," said James before the awards ceremony, "I had big expectations after last season, so coming in here today I had to iron those emotions out and come out with a clear head, and approach it as a new season. So I did that and came out here today knowing what I had to do to be on top. Obviously the elements today weren't in our favour, but everyone rode really well like I knew they were going to. I knew I had to bring it today."
For the men, Toby Miller was the top finisher for the U.S. Snowboard Team, locking down fourth place. Toby put down a technical first run with great amplitude. Although Toby was third after run one, he would be bumped off the podium and unable to climb his way back with deteriorating weather conditions.
“Today was a great,” Toby said, remaining positive despite a difficult day of competition. “The weather was definitely a big challenge in today’s final. Everyone out there rode like true champions and proved how good of snowboarders they truly are. I am very proud to have landed my first run and end up in fourth place. I’m looking forward to the rest of the up and coming season. Congratulations to Scotty, Yuto, and Ruka."
Australian Scotty James continued his streak of perfection after winning every competition he entered last season. Japanese riders Yuto Totsuka and Ruka Hirano finished second and third respectively.
TRICK LIST
Men
Scotty James (AUS) - Frontside double 1080 Stale, cab 900 melon, switch backside double 1080 Indy, backside 1260 Mute, Frontside double 1260 Stale.
Yuto Totsuka (JPN) - Frontside double 1440 Indy, cab 1080 Nose, frontside double 1260 Indy, backside 900 Mute, frontside 1080 Tail.
Ruka Hirano (JPN) - Frontside 900 Tail, backside 900 Mute, frontside double 1080 Indy, cab double 1080 Truck Driver, frontside 1260 Tail.
Women (click for video)
Queralt Castellet (ESP) - Backside Air, front 900 Lien, backside 540 Mute, frontside 360 Indy, cab 720.
Jiayu Liu (CHN) - Switch backside air, Haakon 720 Mute, frontside 540 Stale, backside 540 Mute, frontside 620 Lien.
Maddie Mastro (USA) - Backside air, Crippler 540 Indy, backside 540 Mute, frontside 720 Indy, Haakon 720 Stale, frontside 540 Melon.
FULL RESULTS
Men’s snowboard halfpipe
Women’s Snowboard halfpipe
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