Day Two of the Burton New Zealand Open Snowboarding Championships
August 12, 2009 by jane
Filed under Action, Pretty Sporty, Snowboard
Burton New Zealand Open - Women's Snowboard
Heavy snowfall and limited visibility delayed the start of the second day of the seventh annual Burton New Zealand Open, but the riders and course crew overcame the challenging conditions with a full day of competition. It was no small task as over 70 men and 35 women from 16 countries were slated to take to Cardrona Alpine Resort’s newly sculpted slopestyle course, each vying for a highly coveted spot in Friday’s semifinal competition.
The men were first to drop into the 800m-long course featuring up and downrails, boxes, three kickers and a unique upstair feature to quarterpipe. Following that competition, a thick fog rolled in making things more difficult for the women as they were lined up and ready to go for their turn in the course.
Thirty-five women were to take two runs through the course, the best score counting, however Mother Nature had other plans and the women were only able to take their first run. Tommorrow morning will see the continuation of the women’s slopestyle qualifications, followed by men’s and women’s semifinal and final competitions.
Women advancing on to semifinals and finals will compete against riders like Chanelle Sladics (USA), Cheryl Maas (NED), Jamie Anderson (USA), Lisa Wiik (NOR), Sarka Pancochova (CZE), Shelly Gotlieb (NZL), Silvia Mittermuller (GER), Sina Candrian (SUI) and Spencer O’Brien (CAN).
The NZ Open action continues with men’s and women’s halfpipe qualifications. Cardrona Alpine Resort is the home to the only 22’ halfpipe in New Zealand, which is the same size pipe that will be featured at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
