Thredbo, Australia - Both freestyle racers and sunshine were back in force for the Sprite Ridercross competition. The event was to be held on Wednesday, but was re-scheduled to Thursday due to strong winds. Raring to go.. skiers and snowboarders tore down the course, full of berms and turns, the first across the finish taking the win. With competitors blasting at full pace and muscling each other out for the inside line, the event was full of high speed action and stacks.
The male skiers hit the fastest speeds with freestyle coach Nick Draxl taking out that title. Jenny Owens came first in the Women’s Skiercross for the second year in a row, cruising into the finish line well ahead of the pack. Alex Pullin charged home to grab the Men’s Boardercross title, while Kym Cragnolini was all smiles about her Women’s Boardercross win.
Sprite Big Air and Rails winner, 16-year old young gun Russell Henshaw, looked like he was in with a chance to pull off a Sprite Sessions hat trick. He gained a good lead during the men’s elimination, however an unfortunate stack prevented him from taking out all 3 Sprite Sessions events.
Russell’s coach Nick Draxl said he was disappointed he didn’t get a chance to go head to head with his protégé.
The ridercross course was located on top of the mountain on “skiers left” of Antons T-Bar and as for the weather it was sunny and blue with a moderate wind gusting at times.
Results
Mens:
1. Alex Pulin
2. Ben Wordsworth
3. Damon Hayler
4. Taan Robrahn
5. Russell Holt
6. Andrew Burton
7. Robbie Walker
8. Ryan Tiene
Womens:
1. Kym Cargnolini
2. Laura Williams
3. Wiki Jones
4. Danile Wilton
5. Emma Paulin
6. Kaitlyn Wilton
7. Ali Deane
8. Abi Bright