The Air&Style 2007 in Munich showcase a great level of riding. Before the pro contest a Rookie Challange took place showing the level of the most talented youngsters in the snowboard scene.
PEARCE WINS AIR & STYLE. GREAT SHOWCASE FROM ROOKIES
Pro riders and rookies at Air&Style 2007
Kevin Pearce (USA) nailed a cab 1260 to win his first Nokia Air & Style at the Olympic Stadium in Munich Germany on Saturday night (December 1). Over 28,000 spectators crammed the arena to watch 16 of the globe’s best snowboarders do their thing at the 15th edition of the world famous event, which also featured a rookie snowboarding contest and a stunning freestyle snowmobile competition (FSX). Some of the rookies at the event come up from WSF competition in last seasons: Manuel Pietropoli (winner of the World Rookie Fest 2005), Christian Haller (World Rookie Champion 2006) and Sergey Lapuski (World Rookie Champion 2007).
Crow and structure at Air&Style 2007
In the pro contest, Pearce’s 12’ was big enough to beat last year’s rookie winner Mikkel Bang (NOR) into second with Norwegian Horgmo in third, and local favourite David Benedek, fourth. Horgmo so nearly made a frontside 1080 on his last jump but can be satisfied with being unofficial king of the jibbers, knocking out neat 50/50s over the Braun butter-box.
Rookie during Crossover Session
Manuel Pietropoli during Trainings
Christian Haller
Seventeen-year-old Bang caused a major upset by beating defending champion and former Winter X-Games winner, Travis Rice (USA), in the first round. He executed a super-stylish backside 1080 to move into the second round where he saw off Eero Ettala (FIN). The super final, with Pearce, Bang, Horgmo and Benedek battling it out for the main ’Ring of Glory’ prize, was the highlight of the night. Benedek barely landed a jump cleanly all night, but when he did, his scores were massive. On his final effort, he just missed out on making a 1260, to the desperate roar of the crowd.
Sergey Lapuski
Manuel Pietropoli
Also the Rookie challange express an high level of riding. The winner was Tim Humphreys (USA) whose cab 1080 with a nose grab beat Austrian Werner Stock (AUT) and Mason Aguirre (USA). Sergey Lapuski, who won the ticket to Air&Style Rookie Challange at last World Rookie Fest finals in Kuthai, Austria, got 9th position.
Sergey Lapuski exhibits theAir&Style bib
WSF and World Rookie Fest thanks the Nokia Air&Style and TTR to push the youngsters to the next level. Watch videos and highlights from the Nokia Air and Style at www.freecaster.tv and www.air-style.com and www.method.tv and www.air-style.com.
Pictures by Marco Sampaoli and RaggiEleonora.com
