The Giro Freeski Big Air took place on the fourth day of the BRITS and an exceptional standard was set by both the guys and the girls; with Andy Matthew taking first place for his massive bio 9, and Katie Summerhayes showing the crowd that she's a true international contender.
The weather conditions were tough due to high winds and closed-in weather and the event was brought forward to early morning. The girls were up first but as the wind was getting stronger the judges decided it was to be a one-run showdown for them. Unfazed by the challenge, Katie Summerhayes pulled a spectacular switch 5 off the big kicker. 'Big up Katie she's blatantly going to win Gold at the X-Games in the next few years,' commented judge Jamie Cameron. Taking second place was Molly Summerhayes, who pulled a smooth 720 off the medium kicker. Sissy Herant came third for her 540 off the medium kicker.
Katie Summerhayes quoted: "I really enjoyed it today but I'm surprised to hear I've won - what with the wind I thought anyone could have claimed it."
After an anxious two-hour break the wind finally dropped and the judges decided the men's final could go on. First place went to Andy Matthew for his massive bio 9 mute, in his second run he pulled a flat spin 5 with two grabs - a Japan and a true nose which also impressed the judges but it was the huge bio 9 that clinched it. James Woods won second place for his Switch 10 mute and Murray score bronze for his switch ten tail grab.
Andy Matthew quoted: "It's so good to have won. This is the first time I've won and this is my third year - I've been fourth every year, just missing out. Practice went well and when my runs came round I wasn't that stoked on them but obviously the judges were!"
Giro British Big Air Championship Results
Women
1st - Katie Summerhayes
2nd - Molly Summerhayes
3rd - Sissy Herant
Men
1st - Andy Matthew
2nd - James Woods
3rd - Murray Buchan
Don't forget to check out the BRITS 2010 daily webcasts at www.brits10.com, where you will be able to review the Snowboard and Freeski action and aprĖs from the previous day's competition.
The BRITS, which is part of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour, would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors:Giro :Animal, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, Snow+Rock, Garmin, Eristoff& Red Bull Demo partners: DC, Salomon, Ride, K2, Line, and Volkl skis. Media partners Whitelines,Dark Summer, Spiked, Extreme Sports Channel, Metrosnow.co.uk,Snowboardclub.co.uk, Skiclub.co.uk,and Natives.co.uk. Destination partners: Switzerland Tourism and Laax
