SPEED, WIPEOUTS AND LOTS OF FUN…The Return of Red Bull Home Run (Posted Saturday, April 4, 2009 by stu)
Friday 3rd April saw Red Bull Home Run return to Laax in Switzerland at the BRITS (British Freeski & Snowboard Champs). A mix of 210 ‘pumped’ skiers and snowboarders took part, all of whom jostled for a space on the front row at the Le Mans start. All the entrants, ranging from six to 40 years old, were determined to win the highly charged en masse Chinese downhill race.This year’s course, which stretched from 2228m all the way down to 1100m, was designed to be even more challenging than its predecessor. A kicker was built half way down the run to give even the most experienced riders something else to think about.
The starter's pistol signalled the start of the carnage as the racers ran for their skis or snowboard, all attempting to hit the slopes ahead of the chasing pack. The skiers, with quicker bindings, faired better at this stage and began to descend in their droves, though it was not long before the snowboarders were hot on their heels. A number of big wipe-outs and crashes followed. Thankfully everyone made it down to the finish line with a smile on their face and no broken bones.
First to cross the finish line was skier Edward Cozzy closely followed by the first snowboarder Ben Kilner, Scotland’s bright hope in next year’s Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Danielle Freeze put together an awesome run to take the female ski title while Red Bull's very own Laura Berry won the female snowboard title for the second year running.
After the race Laura Berry joked: ‘I’m super stoked. I really wanted to regain the title and I’ve done it, although it did nearly kill me this time!’
Red Bull Home Run Results
Female Snowboard Laura Berry
Male Snowboard Ben Kilner
Female Ski Danielle Freeze
Male Ski Edward Cozzy