Soulsports were stoked to have been tasked with the Slope Preparation, Slope Management and Contest Management at this year’s Freeze event in Battersea. Check out our handy work and all of the event happenings on the TV this weekend as Channel 4 broadcast three dedicated shows:
3 shows TX this weekend on C4 …
TONIGHT, Friday 13th 12.20am Channel 4 – Music Show featuring Orbital, Calvin Harris, Example, Soft Toy Emergency, Ou e le Swimming Pool & Eagles of Death Metal.
TOMORROW 12.40pm T4 – Festival Show featuring Music & Sport presented by Rick Edwards, Jameela Jamil & Ed Leigh.
SUNDAY 8am Channel 4 (9am C4+1) – Sport Show featuring extended highlights from the FIS Snowboard World Cup & International Skiing.
Soulsports are managing the snow production and slope management at the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup event here in Battersea, London. We had a great contest that was broadcast live on Eurosport at 5pm, unfortunately none of the Brits made the final 10 but Soulsports athlete Ben Kilner representing LG produced the best result with a 14th place overall.
London Freeze Slope
[Official Event Release]
Birthday child Stefan Gimpl victorious in season’s first big air competition / 15,000 spectators in London
What a day for Stefan Gimpl: The Austrian snowboard veteran not only celebrated his career’s seventh World Cup triumph by taking Gold with 52.7 points at the season’s first big air competition of the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup. The rider from the Salzburg countryside also made himself a fantastic birthday present. Aged 30 now and in front of 15,000 spectators at Battersea Power Station in London, the World Cup title defender relegated Switzerland’s Gian-Luca Cavigelli (50.5) and Domen Bizjak from Slovenia (49.7) to the second and third rank respectively. Matevz Pristavec (SLO, 49.7) had to settle for fourth finishing also with 49.7 points.
That this day turned out like written in a storybook was due to the great experience of several years being on tour as a snowboard pro. Not the young guns with their “Backside 1260’s” (Ulrik Badertscher, NOR) or “Frontside 1260’s” (Janne Korpi, FIN) took all the credit but Gimpl with his matchless style of making the tricks look so easy and stick them smoothly on the landing hill – although the 30-years-old had to struggle with his shaky legs right before the final attempt. “I was very nervous up there although actually nothing could have gone wrong as I was lucky over the last years living on the sunny side of life. It seems that someone is meaning well for me.”
Namely that good, that the World Cup leader was able to stomp a “Frontside 1080” at first, his “so far best in my whole life” and later on a “Cab 900” after the spectator crowd had serenaded him “Happy birthday”. “This was an amazing experience. Although I still can’t believe the result as I wasn’t expecting to win today.”
With this statement Gimpl was driving at the fact that the whole starter field answered expectations with a high level riding including some of the more than 50 riders from 12 countries showcasing even more difficult tricks than the later on winner – however, not as smooth and stylish like Gimpl did. One of them was Gian-Luca Cavigelli. The Swiss talent who never had finished a World Cup in the top-10 before jumped on the podium for the first time ever after he had thrown in a massive “Backside 1080 Double Cork” and a “Backside Rodeo 720”. “I’m pretty stoked with the result as I have been on the snowboard for only two months so far” the 21-years-old who tore his left ACL a year ago said after his comeback.
And also third-ranked Domen Bizjak was more than happy after his “Switch Backside 900” and “Frontside 900” earned him his career’s first podium finish. The 24-years-old who had have three fourth ranks so far stated: “I never expected this. But today, everything went fine.”
The British Snowboard Team produced some great results with LG Freeze ambassador Ben Kilner finishing 14th, Nate Kern 20th, Jamie Nicholls 27th, and Jack Shackelton in 47th position.
Soulsports have secured the roles of Slope Preperation, Slope Management and Contest Management at this year’s event in Battersea, London which will host several competitions including the FIS World Snowboard Cup and the International Freeze Ski event.
Below is the official Press Release:
FSO4 FREEZE SNOWSPORTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO BATTERSEA
• Battersea Power Station hosts festival from 30th October – 1st November
• 32m snow jump with 17m drop to be re-created using 500 tonnes of real snow
• Orbital and Friendly Fires to headline
• Over 200 world class competitors from across the globe expected to attend
• FIS sanctioned World Cup snowboard event returns to London
• International Freeskie Event
• Battle of Britain Ski and Snowboard events
• Freeze Grind Rail comps and USA vs Europe competitions added to event line-up
• Tickets now on sale
The UK’s biggest ever winter sports and music festival, Freesports on 4 FREEZE sponsored by LG, is returning to London following the phenomenal success of last year’s event.
Once again, Battersea Power Station will be transformed into an international competition standard snowboarding and freeski venue to host world class skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
The inaugural event in 2008 drew huge crowds to the South London site and the event sold out all 10,000 tickets on the Saturday for the World Cup event.
The 32m high ski-jump will accompany the iconic towers of Battersea Power Station on the London skyline once again with 500 tonnes of real snow being produced and packed onto the slope to transform the site into a winter sports village. The big air jump will form the central hub of the competition and will return as the biggest ever created in the UK. The overall length from the top of the jump to the landing strip will be 110m, with a 17m table top drop from which competitors from around the globe will be showcasing their talents.
The festival will kick off on the Friday with a Battle of Britain ski and snowboard contest with the best of British talent battling it out for the title of top dog in the UK. Brit Olympic snowboard hopefuls Ben Kilner and Dom Harrington will be jostling for the top spot, before focusing on the World Cup event later in the weekend.
The LG London Big Air event, part of the FIS LG Snowboard World Cup, will take place on the Saturday, forming the main competition for snowboarders. All riders taking part can score crucial ratings points in their quest to become World Champions, whilst also improving their chances to qualify for the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010. Last year’s winner Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) will be returning to defend his title, along with Scotty Lago (US) who hopes to retain his Best Trick trophy.
The International Freestyle Ski event over Saturday and Sunday will feature some of the world’s most accomplished skiers, with multiple Winter X Games Gold Medal winner Tanner Hall (US) returning for a second year, along with Simon Dumont (US) and UK hopeful Paddy Graham, all of whom will be competing for the £10,000 prize fund.
This year’s festival will also see a brand new addition to its sporting line up, with the Freeze Grind competition giving the ski and snowboard competitors a chance to display their skills on rails at the base of the slope.
Finally, the festival will close with a battle of the continents, with USA taking on Europe in a snowboard contest on Sunday which is guaranteed to get the audience’s pulses racing.
Along with a stellar line-up of winter sports action, there will be music acts taking to the stage across the weekend to entertain the après-ski revelers after the on-piste action comes to a close. Electronic outfit Orbital have been confirmed for Friday and Friendly Fires will headline Sunday’s music line-up. Other acts confirmed include Pendulum DJ set and Chase and Status Further acts will be confirmed nearer the time. The main music tent has been extended from last year to hold a massive 15,000 capacity crowd.
Andrew Topham, Events Director at Big Freeze Limited, the event producers commented: “We are delighted to be returning to Battersea Power Station in 2009. 2008 was a special event for us and you can expect ’09 to eclipse that! The LG World Cup is a very important International Series and we are thrilled for London to be a part of that once more. Big Freeze will be working very closely with its partners to create the ultimate inner city snow and music festival.”
Marcel Looze, Snowboard Race Director at the sport’s official global body FIS commented: “Research showed that enjoyment of the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup Big Air was high with most wanting to come back or recommend a friend. The very special location at Battersea, the enthusiastic crowd and great performance of the riders made the first LG Snowboard FIS World Cup Big Air in London a success. FIS is proud to have London in the Calendar 2009/2010 again and give the audience another opportunity to watch World Class athletes without having to travel thousands of miles. We trust Sports Vision supported by the British Ski and Snowboard Association are able to create a great show again.”
Ben Kilner, UK Olympic hopeful said: “I’m really excited to be sponsored by LG, their involvement in the FIS Snowboarding World Cup has really helped to grow the sport & FSO4 FREEZE sponsored by LG is looking like it¹ll be a great event again this year. I¹m looking forward to taking on the World¹s best snowboarders, which will be great preparation for me in the lead up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, especially in front of a home crowd!”
Paul Meadows, head of brand marketing at LG Electronics UK & Ireland comments: “Freesports on 4 Freeze and the Big Air established themselves as iconic events last year and LG is delighted to be sponsoring both events for the second year running. Bringing freesports, music and the latest mobile technology such as social networking handsets together at the iconic Battersea power station, this year¹s event promises to be bigger and even more spectacular. We’re sure that everyone who attends will have a truly memorable time, taking in the buzz and excitement of live action and music together with their friends and family.”
Fans wishing to attend the event are advised to visit www.londonfreeze.com for further ticket information.
Tickets are priced at £35 for a day pass, £85 for a season pass (3 days), with a child’s day ticket at £15 and a child’s season ticket at £35. www.londonfreeze.com
Animal Slopestyle Championships, Castleford 3rd October 2009
The Animal Slopestyle Championships at Castleford SNO!zone wrapped up the 2009 British Snow Tour in style on Saturday 3rd October. The creative slopestyle course, which included a selection of rails, boxes, kickers and elevated pipe jibs set the stage as over 160 of the UK’s top freestylers battled it out in one of the closest and highest levels of competitions seen on UK snow!
Animal Slopestyle Championships
Animal Snowboard Slopestyle Championships
The Animal Snowboard Slopestyle Championships kicked off the day’s competition and the standard of riding was immense. Over 85 riders, 25 of them impressively coming from the women’s category hit the slope and linked together impressive and super technical runs making it a tough call to narrow the field for the finals for the judges.
It was extremely tight during the women’s qualification round, with the top four spots through to the final being increased to six after fourth place was tied between three riders. Lynsey Ashdown, who had been riding consistently well all day and qualified in first place, was victorious and walked away with the 2009 Animal Slopestyle Championship title. Lynsey’s winning run included a 50-50 180 out on the top rail, to switch boardslide on the middle rail, followed by a smooth frontside 360 over the kicker and cab 270 on the bottom box. Second place went to Helen Fox who charged the course and linked together a frontside lipslide on the top rail, a switch frontside boardslide on the middle rail and big method over the kicker. Sophie Nicholls, who has really stepped it up during this year’s British Snow Tour events, finished in third place with a smooth frontside lipslide on the top rail, to switch boardslide on the middle rail and an impressive 270 on the box.
In the men’s final Andy Nudds, Stu Edwards and Jack Shackleton where amongst the riders pushing the limits and raising the bar with incredibly tech rail tricks, big 540’s and cab 720’s being thrown down. Younger rider and Castleford local Tom Hunt, who had been killing it all day and impressed all with his consistent riding was crowned the 2009 Men’s Animal Slopestyle Champion. Tom’s impressive run included a 50–50 backside pivot cab 180 out on the top rail, to gap switch noseslide 180 out on the middle rail, to cab 720 mute over the kicker and a cab 180 to front blunt on the bottom gas pipe. A very close second place went to fellow Castleford rider, Jamie Nicholls who nailed a clean and stylish run that included a frontside blunt pivot 270, tap cab 180 out on the top rail, to 50-50 frontside 180 on the middle rail, to cab 720 melon over the kicker, to frontside blunt cab 360 out on the bottom gas pipe. John Weatherly finished in third place with a frontside blunt 270 out on the top rail, a gap frontside boardslide on the middle rail, to cab 270 off on the elevated pipe and a 180 on cab 360 off on the bottom gas pipe.
Animal Slopestyle Championships
Animal Snowboard Slopestyle Championship Results:
Men
1st – Tom Hunt - Leeds
2nd – Jamie Nicholls - Bradford
3rd - John Weatherly - Chester
Women
1st – Lynsey Ashdown - Manchester
2nd – Helen Fox - London
3rd – Sophie Nicholls - Bradford
Animal Freeski Slopestyle Championships
In the afternoon over 70 freeskiers hit the slope and the Animal Slopestyle Course and linked together some stylish and technical rail and kicker combinations. Competition was fierce with all riders keen to impress the judges and make it through to the top four women and top eight men finals.
Animal Slopestyle Championships
During the women’s final Katie Summerhayes continued to impress all and stepped it up on home turf to take the overall 2009 Animal Slopestyle Championship title. Katie’s run included a frontside 270 off on the top rail, to switch on the middle rail, followed by a 450 off on the elevated pipe and a frontside switch up, blind 270 out on the bottom gas pipe. Second place went to Servanne Herant who did a 270 onto the box, to 270 on the long rail, to frontside 270 out on gas pipe. Third place went to Kelly O’Donnell with a smooth run which included a 270 out on the elevated gas pipe and 270 on 270 off on the bottom box.
The standard of skiing in the men’s final was extremely high with all ages including experienced freeskiers Andy Bennett, Charlie Smith and younger ripper Cal Sandieson leading the way. Cal has impressively made it through to three British Snow Tour men’s overall finals now and at only 11 he’s definitely one to watch out for.
Josh Birch cemented his place as one of the UK’s top slopestyle riders by adding the Animal Indoor Slopestyle Championship title to his recent artificial slopestyle win in Norfolk. Josh’s run included a 270 on the down rail, to disaster 270 on the flat down rail, a 450 out on the elevator pipe followed by a switch lip 270 pretzel 450 out on the bottom gas pipe. James Wood’s finished in a close second place with a switch on, pretzel 270 out on the top down rail, a disaster 270 on the middle rail, followed by a 630 out on the elevator gas pipe and a 270 on 270 off on bottom gas pipe. Third place went to Josh Fawcett with a frontside 450 off the street rail and 450 off the elevated gas pipe.
Animal Ski Slopestyle Championships
Animal Freeski Slopestyle Championship Results: Men
1st – Josh Birch - London
2nd – James Woods - Sheffield
3rd – Josh Fawcett – Stoke-on-Trent
Women
1st – Katie Summerhayes – Sheffield
2nd – Servanne Herant – Stoke-on-Trent
3rd – Kelly O’Donnell – Stoke-on-Trent
The inspirational schools tour team also ended their quest in Castleford after inspiring a further 100 beginners to come along to the event and have a lesson. The team will be hanging up their lunch boxes and letting the high fives hang loose until next year after successfully spreading the word to over 6,000 school pupils this summer and introducing over 500 kids to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time courtesy of the Animal and Trespass Learner Academies.
To check out the photos and video footage from the Animal Slopestyle Championships in Castleford or any of the previous events and to keep up to date with the British Snow Tour Invitational Championships, which is taking place on Friday 23rd October at the Metro Ski & Snowboard Show in London go to:www.britishsnowtour.com
Trespass British Snowboardcross/Skiercross Championships and Rail Jam
On Saturday 26th September over 200 competitors and spectators descended upon Glasgow SNO!zone for the hotly contested Trespass British Snowboardcross/Skiercross Championships and Rail Jam. Competition was fierce as riders went head-to-head in the four-way races, with some spectacular wipe-outs along the way. Over at the Trespass Learner Academy 100 beginners inspired by the high-speed action took advantage of the FREE lessons that were up for grabs.
Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships
The Trespass Snowboardcross Championships started the day’s action with over 65 riders going through the start gates in heats of four with the top two qualifying into the next round, until only the fastest four male and female competitors were remaining. In the women’s final Jules Chappell was first out of the start gates and continued her lead down the fast and challenging course to take the 2009 Trespass British Snowboardcross Championship title. Local rider, Christy Mearns looked set to take the silver but unfortunately skidded out on the step-up jump leaving Alice Blake to skilfully overtake and finish in second place with Christy finishing in third.
In the men’s final, all four riders charged out of the start gates in a tight pack with elbows out and boards touching. At the third banked turn things got a little too close for comfort and all four riders collided and crashed out. Kyle Wise who was first to his feet and first over the finish line had missed a gate and was unfortunately disqualified, leaving 2008 Snowboardcross Champ, Edward Castle-Henry to continue down the course and take the 2009 Trespass British Snowboardcross Championship title for the second year in a row. Donnie Macleod was the next rider to his feet and to cross the finish line in second place, whilst Team GB Snowboardcross racer, Tim McGregor, who had the fastest qualification run of the day finished in third.
Trespass Rail Jam
Trespass Snowboard Rail Jam
During the afternoon’s rail jam, riders flexed their freestyle boards and finished off the day’s action in style. In the kids jam local ripper Mat McCormick impressed all to take the kids title with a smooth boardslide to switch-up, to fakie on the kinked rail. The ladies also stepped it up, with Jules Chappell adding another win to her collection with a frontside boardslide on the flat down rail.
In the men’s jam, Angus Mallock was mixing it up on the rails with a backside lipslide on the down rail and a super clean 50-50, frontside boardslide to 270 out on the kinked rail to take first place. A spot prize and special shout out from MC, James Thorne went to Edward Castle-Henry who aired the quarterpipe in the jam session with one of the biggest laid out back flips, to flat, ever seen!
Trespass Snowboardcross Championships
Trespass British Snowboardcross Championship Results:
Men
1st – Edward Castle-Henry - Hertfordshire
2nd – Donnie Macleod - Glasgow
3rd – Tim McGregor - Glasgow Women
1st – Jules Chappell – Milton Keynes
2nd – Alice Blake - Hertfordshire
3rd – Christy Mearns - Glasgow
Trespass Snowboard Rail Jam Results: Men
1st – Angus Malloch - Perthshire
2nd – Danny McCormick - Glasgow
3rd – Jesse Smith - Edinburgh Women
1st - Jules Chappell – Milton Keynes
2nd – Alice Blake - Hertfordshire
3rd - Riona Peterson, Dunbartonshire Kids
1st – Mat McCormick - Glasgow
2nd – Jacob Robertson - Glasgow
3rd – Sam McGrath - Renfrew
British Snowboard Tour –Glasgow Picture Gallery
Trespass British Skiercross Championships
The afternoon made way for the Trespass Skiercross Championships with over 30 skiers going head-to-head down the challenging course, which was made up of banked turns, a big step-up and a tricky gap jump. In the women’s final, Gail Ross, charged into the lead after the first turn to set the pace, with Kelly O’Donnell, Danielle Freeze and Rachel Bajek hot on her tail. Holding onto her lead, Gail Ross crossed the line in first place to take the title leaving second place for Kelly O’Donnell and third for Danielle Freeze.
In the men’s final it was an extremely tight race out of the start gates, with Denzil Davies edging slightly into the lead and continuing down the course at top speed to cross the finish line in first place and take the prestigious 2009 Trespass British Skiercross title. Split seconds later Craig Conke and Mike Crawford who were hot on Davies’s heels crossed the line to take second and third respectively.
Trespass Rail Jam
Trespass Freeski Rail Jam
During the rail jam, younger skiers including Harry Cheshire and David Bilsland stepped it up and creatively used the course set up with a front-flip off the side of the jump and an impressive 450 out on the bottom section of the kinked rail. The local Scottish contingency continued to set the standard with Chris McCormick taking top spot in the kids jam after nailing the flat down rail switch with a 270 out. In the women’s jam, Kelly O’Donnell finished first with a blind 270 off on the flat down rail. In the men’s jam, Jamie Sutherland won after doing a switch up on the kinked rail.
Trespass Skiercross Championships
Trespass British Skiercross Championship Results Men
1st – Denzil Davies – North Lincolnshire
2nd – Craig Conke - Dunbartonshire
3rd – Mike Crawford – N/A Women
1st – Gail Ross - Glasgow
2nd – Kelly O’Donnell – Stoke-on-Trent
3rd – Danielle Freeze - Kent
Trespass Freeski Rail Jam Results: Men
1st – Jamie Sutherland – N/A
2nd – Riad Ariane – N/A
3rd - Gordon Bujaud - Perth Women
1st - Kelly O’Donnell – Stoke-on-Trent
2nd – Mia Cheshire – Stoke-on-Trent Kids
1st – Chris McCormick - Glasgow
2nd – David Bilsland - Glasgow
3rd – Liam Beardsmore - Cheshire
British Freeski Tour –Glasgow Picture Gallery
The next and final British Snow Tour event of the series is the Animal Slopestyle Championships at Castleford SNO!zone on Saturday 3rd October. To pre-register for the Animal Slopestyle Champs or to check out the photos and video footage from the Trespass Snowboard/Skiercross Championships at Glasgow, go to: :www.britishsnowtour.com
Soulsports for the 10th year running are working with the Metro Ski & Snowboard Show to create the main show feature including the supply of all the Snowboard & Ski athletes, jump design and management of this feature held at the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, 21st -25th October 2009 Olympia, London
Below is the Official Press Release
Gold Standard Talent:
With Vancouver 2010 just around the corner, all eyes are on Britain’s Olympic hopefuls and at this year’s Ski and Snowboard show Ben Kilner will be proving he’s got what it takes to win a medal when he competes on the show’s new Trespass Big Air 50 foot Kicker. X Games Gold Medalist Jenny Jones will also be on hand to offer tips and advice throughout the show.
Fierce competition:
Once again London Olympia will play host to the crème de la crème of Europe’s Snowboarders and Free-skiers, as the British Snow Tour Championship and The London Ride roll into town.
The British Snow Tour Championship will see a showdown between 12 of best riders on the UK snow-sports scene. Featuring hot talent like Sam Cullum, James Webb, Jamie Nicholls, Sparrow Knox and Jack Shackleton, Paddy Graham, James Machon, James Woods, Andy Nudds and Murray Buchan all at the top of their game, this competition is set to be a major highlight of the show.
On Saturday 24th October style and amplitude will be the order of the day as The London Ride arrives at Olympia. Expect to be blown away by big rotations and massive tweaked out grabs from the elite of Europe’s free-skiing stars, including last year’s winner Henrik Harlaut and home grown Mike Wakefield, as he attempts to bring the crown back to British soil.
ACTION FROM THE BRITISH SNOWBOARD INVITATIONAL COMP
Snowbombing:
Making its UK premiere, join Snowbombing’s Street Party on Friday 23rd October as it takes over the Zillertal Après Ski Bar. Heralded as the greatest festival on snow Snowbombing’s organisers will be bringing their unique vibe to London with music from top DJs TBX and the Loose Cannons.
London Gets Snowed In:
Winter will officially be starting early this year as the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show and Dare2b drop ten tonnes of real snow in the capital. Start warming up your throwing arm for target practice and get ready to make it into the record books as our visitors attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest indoor snowball fight.
The Experts
Revolutionise your technique with the Warren Smith Ski Academy who will be on hand to give their expert advice on how to improve technique and fitness. Has the credit crunch got you dreaming of a ski season? Then check out the Natives Jobs Fair to talk to the people in the know at this leading seasonal recruitment event.
ACTION FROM THE BRITISH SKI INVITATIONAL COMP
Return of the Gigloo!
The legendary ‘gig in an igloo’ is back. Okuru will be transforming the Gigloo into a winter themed alpine stage with a wealth of talent including music from its XFM DJs and the Altitude Festival, ensuring side-splitting sessions peppered between stunning VJ sets.
Board Riders Heaven
Prepare to get excited about your first off-piste run of the season with some inspirational talks, films and guidance from mountain experts in the Off-Piste Adventure Theatre. You can also check out the latest snowboarding gear as core snowboard brands showcase their 09/10 kit and give visitors the opportunity to talk to professionals about how to choose the right board and essential equipment.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.metrosnow.co.uk or call 0871 230 1100
British Big Air Championships, Milton Keynes SNO!zone, 19th September 2009
The First Indoor British Snow Tour event of the season, The British Big Air Championships got underway at Milton Keynes SNO!zone on Saturday 19th September. Over 110 snowboarders and freeskiers took to the slope to hit the all snow kicker, which was tagged the biggest indoor jump ever created, measuring a whopping 14m from the lip of the jump to the knuckle.
The British Snowboard Big Air Championships
The Snowboard Big Air Championships kicked off the day’s competition with each rider received two qualifying jumps to land their trick and impress the judges to make it through to the finals. The qualification rounds claimed a few injuries narrowing the field and all of a sudden the competition was wide open. After a tough call by the judges the top eight men and four women were selected and the finals got under way.
The younger girls were setting the standard during the Women’s overall final with 12-year-old Katie Ormerod stepping up and hitting the medium kicker and landing a big backside 360 to win the overall British Big Air Title. Second place went to Sophie Nicholls who had been riding really well all day and landed a big cab 180 over the small kicker. With a stylish method grab over the medium kicker third place went to Emily Park.
In the Men’s final it was experienced riders Andy Nudds and Jack Shackleton that set the standard, reaching incredible heights and travelling over 16m through the air before stomping their tricks. Nudds, who had qualified through to the final in first place was victorious and took the 2009 British Big Air title after he landed an enormous textbook frontside 720, one of the biggest jumps ever witnessed indoors. Second place went to Team GB rider, Jack Shackleton, whose experience of riding big kickers shone through after he landed a huge stylish backside 360. Sparrow Knox who was one of the younger riders to make it through to the finals finished in third place after he stomped a big, smooth and floaty backside 180 over the big kicker.
Jamie Nicholls almost hits the roof!
MK’s Big Air Champs Reaches New Heights! The British Snowboard Big Air Championship Results: Men
1st – Andy Nudds – Halifax
2nd – Jack Shackleton - Newbury
3rd – Sparrow Knox – London
Women:
1st – Katie Ormerod – Halifax
2nd – Sophie Nicholls – Halifax
3rd – Emily Park – Wiltshire
The British Freeski Big Air Championships
The afternoon made way for the UK’s freeskiers and the standard of riding was immense with over 60 riders charging the kickers and throwing down a selection of huge 720’s, 900’s and double front-flips.
In the Women’s competition the top four skiers went through to the two run, best-run counts final. Youngster Katie Summerhayes fresh from her big air victory at Norfolk last weekend took the title after landing a big 540 with a solid grab over the medium kicker. Second place went to Sissy Herant with a 540 over the medium kicker, whilst Kelly O’Donnell came in third place with a stylish 360.
In the men’s final youngsters Tyler Jay-Harding and Cal Sandieson stepped it up from the kid’s age category to make it through to the finals, giving the older guys a run for their money. It was a battle between the James’s for a podium spot in the finals with James Woods fearlessly dropping in switch and landing a massive switch rodeo 720 Japan to take the overall title. Second place went to Animal rider, James Webb, who had qualified in top spot and also opted for a switch 720 rodeo. James Machon rounded off the podium of James’s after effortlessly landing a huge 900 tail grab.
James Woods Switch Corked 900
The British Freeski Big Air Championship Results
Men
1st – James Woods - Sheffield
2nd – James Webb – Bracknell
3rd – James Machon - Sheffield
Over 80 local youngsters that the Schools Tour Team had visited earlier in the week came along to the event to take part in the FREE lessons and watch the big air action, let’s hope they continue to learn how to ski and snowboard and enjoy shredding.
The next event on the British Snow Tour calendar is the Trespass British Snowboard/Skiercross Championships and Rail Jam at Glasgow SNO!zone on Saturday 26th September. Pre-register now and you’ll receive a discounted rate on the Friday night freestyle session. To pre-register for the Glasgow event or to check out the photos and video footage from the British Big Air Championships at Milton Keynes, go to:www.britishsnowtour.com
It was a glorious start to the 2009 British Snow Tour at the weekend as blue skies welcomed over 100 of the UK’s best Freeskiers from across the land to Norfolk for the ‘Mini BRITS’ weekender. The BBQ, MC and music got rocking as riders hit the slope and showcased their big bag of tricks in the British Big Air, Trespass Skiercross and Animal Slopestyle Championships!
Freeski Action from Norwich
Animal Freeski Slopestyle Championships
The Animal Slopestyle Championships kicked off the freeski action on Saturday afternoon and it soon became apparent that the summer training camps had achieved their goal as the standard of skiing was immense with some technical rail tricks being displayed. In the men’s final a special shout out and thwack of respect from the judges and competitors alike went to 11-year-old Glaswegian Cal Sandieson who showed no fear and skilfully attacked the Animal Slopestyle course all day.
Josh Birch who had been skiing well all day won the Men’s Animal Slopestyle Championships, and walked away with a smile on his face and his first ever overall British Championship Title. Josh’s run included a 270 on 450 out on the top rail, followed by a switch 270 on 270 out and a blind switch up on the intimidating shark fin rail. Second place went to 2008 Champ, James Woods who did a 270 on 270 out on the street rail, a switch 270 in 270 out on the box and a 270 out on the bottom shark fin rail. 12-year-old Tyler Jay-Harding continued to pave the way for the younger freeskiers and finished in third place with a consistent and faultless run.
In the women’s final it was defending Slopestyle Champ, Katie Summerhayes who impressed the most and added the 2009 Animal British Slopestyle Championship title to here already impressive collection. The only skier to land a 450 out on the first rail, which none of the boys had even attempted, Katie proved herself to be world class and a worthy Champion. Second place went to Kelly O’Donnell who also stepped it up and opted for the bigger rail line whilst third place went to Rowen Cheshire who had a clean run with a 270 on the middle box.
Animal Freeski Slopestyle Championship Results: Men
1st – Josh Birch - London
2nd – James Woods - Sheffield
3rd - Tyler Jay-Harding - Halifax
Women
1st – Katie Summerhayes - Sheffield
2nd – Kelly O’Donnell – Stoke-on-Trent
3rd - Rowen Cheshire – Stoke-on-Trent
Trespass Skiercross Championships
The Trespass Skiercross Championships kicked off Sunday’s freeski action and competition was fierce, with over 60 skiers going through the start gates and on into the head to head heats with some spectacular wipe-outs along the way. In the men’s final only the fastest skiers remained and Stuart Riches made the most of an early lead out of the start gates to lead the pack over the finish line. Byron Haywood-Alexander and Michael Molloy collided on the first turn leaving Alex Abbott to take second place. After getting to their feet and with only one ski a piece, Michael and Byron continued down the course to take third and fourth respectively.
During the women’s final it was Danielle Freeze who finished in first place, after taking over Joanne Llewellyn and Kelly O’Donnell right at the final turn. Kelly finished in second with Joanne and Ashlea Martin finishing in third and fourth.
Trespass Skiercross Championship Results
Men
1st – Stuart Riches - Suffolk
2nd – Alex Abbott - Norwich
3rd – Michael Molloy - Norwich
4th – Byron Haywood-Alexander - Sheffield
Women
1st – Danielle Freeze - Kent
2nd – Kelly O’Donnell – Stoke-on-Trent
3rd – Joanna Llewellyn - Kent
4th – Ashlea Martin - Norfolk
British Big Air Championships
Sunday afternoon saw the Freeski Big Hitters take to the slope for the highly anticipated and final competition of the day, The British Big Air Championships. The top eight men and four women from the qualification round made it through to the finals with skies going that big they were almost clearing the landing!
In the men’s final Joe Hides just missed out on a podium spot but deserved a special shout out after throwing down massive rodeo Japans. First place and the 2009 British Big Air title went to James Woods with a huge switch rodeo 720 Japan. Second place went to Stoke-on-Trent local Josh Fawcett with a big switch 720 nose mute whilst third place with a perfectly landed switch misty 720 went to Charlie Richards.
In the women’s final Katie Summerhayes who had been on fire all day, continued to step it up in the Big Air and landed a huge switch 720 to take her second gold and overall British Championship Title of the weekend. Second place with a 720 went to Rowan Cheshire, who had also landed an impressive corked 720 during the qualifications. Molly Summerhayes finished in third place with a big and textbook 540.
British Big Air Championship Results:
Men
1st – James Woods – Sheffield
2nd – Josh Fawcett – Stoke-on-Trent
3rd – Charlie Richards – Sheffield
Over 200 local youngsters that the Schools Tour Team had visited came along to the event to take part in the FREE lessons, watch the UK’s best in action and cheer on local freeskier Tom Coe, who had proved to be a big hit at the schools. Let’s hope we see some of them continue to learn how to shred and hopefully competing next year.
The next event on the British Snow Tour calendar is the British Big Air Championships in Milton Keynes on Saturday 19th September. To check out the images and video footage from the event and pre register for the Big Air next week go to: www.britishsnowtour.com
It was a glorious start to the 2009 British Snow Tour at the weekend as blue skies welcomed over 100 of the UK’s best riders from across the land to Norfolk for the Mini BRITS weekender. The BBQ, MC and music got rocking as riders hit the slope and showcased their big bag of tricks in the British Big Air, Trespass Snowboardcross and Animal Slopestyle Championships!
Snowboard Action from Norwich
Trespass Snowboardcross Championships
The Trespass Snowboardcross Championships kicked off the snowboard action on Saturday morning with possibly one of the closest UK snowboardcross events ever! In the men’s final all four riders charged out of the start gates and over the rollers at the same time with Edward Castle-Henry feeling the squeeze. With lightning quick reactions, Castle-Henry who had been forced into an awkward 90 position in mid-air continued the rotation and amazingly landed a clean 360 to continue down the course. Wayne Taylor, maintained his dominating form from the quarterfinals to cross the line in first, followed by a very pleased Edward Castle-Henry, with Jordan Southgate and Tom Moriarty finishing in third and fourth respectively.
In the women’s final Gemma Marshall was first out of the start gates with Vicky Pullin and Alice Blake hot on her heels. Gemma held onto her lead with the gap closing quickly behind her as she crossed the line in first place with Vicky and Alice finishing in second and third.
Trespass Snowboardcross Championship Results Men
1st – Wayne Taylor – Halifax
2nd – Edward Castle-Henry - Hertfordshire
3rd - Jordan Southgate - Norwich
4th – Tom Moriarty - Norfolk
Women
1st – Gemma Marshall – Sheffield
2nd – Vicky Pullin – Gloucestershire
3rd – Alice Blake - Hertfordshire
British Snowboard Big Air Championships
The sun continued to shine as the Big Air Championships got underway on Saturday afternoon. The top four women and eight men from the qualification round went through to the final with the more experienced riders stepping it up and setting the standard. Wayne Taylor, fresh from his Snowboardcross victory made it a double win for the day taking the overall men’s title with a very stylish corked backside 720. Second place went to Chatham local Cody Hierons who stomped a smooth backside 540, whilst Ben Knox finished in third place with a huge backside 540.
In the women’s final it was also experienced rider Liz Osbourn who showed the younger riders how it was done with a big stylish backside 360 tail grab, which secured her the gold. Second place went to Katie Ormerod, who landed another big backside 360 with Lynsey Ashdown taking third with a frontside 360.
British Snowboard Big Air Championship Results Men
1st - Wayne Taylor – Halifax
2nd – Cody Hierons – Chatham
3rd – Ben Knox – London
Women
1st – Liz Osbourn - Cambridge
2nd – Katie Ormerod – Halifax
3rd – Lynsey Ashdown - Manchester
Animal British Slopestyle Championships
After an eventful Saturday night when team ‘Ben’s Bandits’ downed 10 pickled onions in under a minute to win the ‘Big Ride Quiz’, Sunday afternoon welcomed in the final event of the weekend, The Animal Slopestyle Championships. Local Halifax rider, Andy Nudds, who had travelled down to Norfolk just for this event, soon set the standard and qualified in first place through to the final.
Nudds maintained his top form throughout both runs during the final to take the 2009 Animal British Slopestyle Championship Title. His textbook run included a switch backside 180 to boardslide and fakie off on the top rail followed by a very controlled and stylish half cab nose press on the middle box and a 270 on 270 off on the flat up and along box. Winning his second silver medal over the weekend was Cody Hierons, with a smooth cab 270 on the top box, to 180 on, 270 off on the middle box and the judge’s favourite trick of the day, a gap 270 to boardslide on the bottom shark fin rail. Ben Knox finished in third place after throwing down a 270 on 270 off on the top box and a 180 boardslide on the shark fin.
In the women’s final 12 year old Katie Ormerod won the overall Animal British Slopestyle Championship title, cementing the fact that the future of British snowboarding looks very strong. Katie’s technical and faultless run included a cab 180 to regular on the top box, a boardslide to fakie over the double box and a switch-up 50-50 over the bottom shark fin rail. Sophie Nicholls who had been riding very strong all day and qualified into the finals in top spot, demonstrated that it’s not just the boy’s in the Nicholls family with all the talent by finishing in second place overall. Sophie’s run included a cab boardslide to tail tap on the top box and an impressive 270 on 270 off on the double box. Third place went to Lynsey Ashdown with a combination of tidy boardslides over the shark fin rail.
Animal British Slopestyle Championship Results:
Men
1st – Andy Nudds - Halifax
2nd – Cody Hierons - Chatham
3rd – Ben Knox - London
Women
1st - Katie Ormerod - Halifax
2nd – Sophie Nicholls - Halifax
3rd – Lynsey Ashdown – Manchester
Over 200 local youngsters that the Schools Tour Team had visited came along to the event to take part in the FREE lessons, watch the UK’s best in action and cheer on local freeskier Tom Coe, who had proved to be a big hit at the schools. Let’s hope we see some of them continue to learn how to shred and hopefully competing next year.
The next event on the British Snow Tour calendar is the British Big Air Championships in Milton Keynes on Saturday 19th September. To check out the images and video footage from Norfolk’s Mini BRITS or to pre register for the Big Air next week go to: www.britishsnowtour.com
Starting out life ten years ago to the day, Soulsports has come a long way since its athlete agency beginnings but confesses to having been a little modest to date about the company’s successes. Today, you’ll find us delivering an uncompromising level of service across Consultancy, PR, Athlete and Event management and are proudly launching a new website to demonstrate our good work. We welcome you to Visit Our World at soulsports.co.uk.
Soulsports founder and director, Stuart Brass remarks on the company’s journey, “Over the past decade Soulsports has been progressively building toward this, the moment it can confidently lay claim to offering a full suite of marketing services across all major action sports. We are The Action Sports Agency and our philosophy has always been to keep brands at the forefront of our thinking, whilst keeping the sports and athletes at the heart of our actions.”
Stuart was one of the UK’s most influential pro snowboarders, and among the first wave of riders to attract corporate sponsorship. It is to this corporate involvement that Stuart owes his vision (that and Jerry Maguire smashing box offices in the same year, he jokes), and in 1999 Soulsports was established to provide representation for UK action sports athletes.
In the ten years that have passed, Soulsports has attracted a team of experts to its doors and as recent client successes prove, we are as confident providing services to major industry players such as DC, Quiksilver, Vans, Extreme Sports Channel and the British Surf Association as we are dealing with global blue chip clients such as Nissan, Orange, Red Bull and Motorola. Naturally, we’ve not abandoned our roots and working with athletes such as X-Games Snowboard Champion Jenny Jones, World Champion Mountain Biker Steve Peat and Big Wave Surfer Gabe Davies still holds pride of place within the business.
In a nutshell, Soulsports is a dynamic company with a competitive edge and has its sights fixed firmly on becoming The Action Sports Agency of choice. We work hard to create amazing campaigns and imaginative content and urge anybody looking for a fresh approach to accessing the action sports market to take a look at our world through www.soulsports.co.uk.
