Yale Cousino takes the Riverjump in Livigno

Yale Cousino takes the Riverjump in Livigno
Photo: raggieleonora

Sun 08 March 09

The TTR 4* Riverjump has rocked Livigno over the past two days with both a 4Star Slopestyle and Big Air contest

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The Swatch TTR 4Star Riverjump has rocked Livigno over the past two days with both a 4Star Slopestyle and Big Air contest. An international crew duked it out and threw down big tricks in pursuit of the double dose of 500 ranking points and a share of the € 20 000 Euro prize purse. Eventually it was Yale Cousino (USA) who prevailed in the Slopestyle whilst Chris Sörman (SWE) clinched the Big Air contest and held onto his spot in the TTR Top 30.

Prior to today’s contests it had been dumping snow; however, the tireless work of the Swatch Mottolino Snowpark crew ensured that the course was ready to go. The set-up was comprised of a jib section, a 39 stair rail and two big kickers.

Rider Stefan Maurer in the Riverjump 09 in Livigno
Rider Stefan Maurer in the Riverjump 09 in Livigno
Photo: raggieleonora

Eventually, the sun broke out and Yale Cousino cruised to victory with a smooth BS Boardslide on the box and back to back 9s. The two times Riverjump Slopestyle winner was pumped after his win, I’m stoked to win. The park set up was really sick, two cool rails and great jumps. The weather was so much better than yesterday so I had good fun riding”. Following him were upcoming Finnish star, Niki Korpela (FIN) in second, who now sits in World No.41 on the Swatch TTR Tour, with Joonas Mustonen (FIN) coming in third.

Rider Christian Haller in the Riverjump 09 in Livigno
Rider Christian Haller in the Riverjump 09 in Livigno
Photo: raggieleonora

The Slopestyle contest also gave eight lower ranked Swatch TTR riders the chance to qualify for the evenings 4Star Big Air ‘Riverjump’. Once darkness fell, the lights lit up the in-run and riders went big as they jumped the Spoel river. Again, the vocal Italian crowd came to the party and helped create an electric atmosphere.

Chris Sörman proved too good for his fellow competitors and claimed first place with a FS 10 Indy, Board Slide on the log and BS 3 over the barrel. “I’m stoked, super stoked! It was really good contest. The kicker was perfect …The crowd, the music, it was just a sick event… I’m definitely coming back here next year”, he said. Right behind in second was Mark Sollors (CAN), with Christian Haller (SUI) following in third. Yale Cousino came in fourth position by pushing it all night, however was unable to stomp all his runs.

Rider Chris Soerman in the Riverjump 09 in Livigno
Rider Chris Soerman in the Riverjump 09 in Livigno
Photo: raggieleonora

Recent winner of the 6Star Billabong Air & Style, Colin Frei (SUI), finished in 8th position and moved up to World No.21, just outside the TTR Top 20. Local favourite, Manuel Pietropoli jumped 15 places up to World No.29 and is now the top ranked Italian on the Swatch TTR World Tour.

The Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour now focuses all attention on the 6Star Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships in Stratton Vermont, USA, March 16th – 22nd, 2009. It’s in Stratton where male riders continue their fight for the TTR Tour Championship Title and lay it all on the line for a top spot in the rankings while women will try to use their last chance for points before their grand finale in Mammoth at the 6Star Roxy Chicken Jam. A $200 000 USD prize purse awaits the victors and competition is sure to be fierce. Log on to www.ttrworldtour.com for videos, blogs and news throughout the week. The climax is coming, so strap in and get ready.

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:: TTR World Snowboard Tour stories
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Livigno, Italy
With an amazing park, open terrain, illegal but accessible off-piste, a warm Italian reception, and prices far cheaper than most other resorts in western Europe, Livigno is one excellent Italian job.
Freeriding: 70% - Some sweet off-piste but illegal
Freestyle: 90% - Very good terrain parks
Pistes: 70% - Wide crusing runs, good for intermediate
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