Boarder-X at the Brits 09 in Laax

Boarder-X at the Brits 09 in Laax
Photo: Soulsports

Tue 31 March 09

Day 1 of the Brits, and would overwhelming favourites Zoe Gillings and James Foster take the top prize in the boarder cross?

On the first day of the 2009 British Snowboard Championships it was time for the racers to show off some high speed action in the Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships, which witnessed over 100 snowboarders going head to head down the challenging course until only the fastest remained to battle it out in the finals. Snowsport GB Team members, James Foster and Zoe Gillings dominated the day’s competition, both gaining the two fastest race times of the competition as well as claiming the titles, for the second year running.

Brits 09 Mens boarder-x
Brits 09 Mens boarder-x
Photo: Soulsports

In the women’s final, it was set to be a fast paced race with three of the four finalists being Snowsport GB team members and snowboardcross specialists. Zoe Gillings, who had got the overall fastest time in the first round of qualifications, got away from the others first with a great fast start out of the gates.

Brits 09 Zoe Gillings boarder-x
Brits 09 Zoe Gillings boarder-x
Photo: Soulsports

Hitting the first jump Zoe increased her lead even further following a couple of the other competitors crashing, but all rode away to continue the race. Zoe held onto her lead for the entire race, securing her the top spot and title for a second year running. As Zoe crossed the finish line, Lesley was hitting the last kicker of the course finishing in second place, followed by Dani Stone in third and Ivy Taylor in fourth.

Zoe Gillings said – “It was awesome to win! I’ve been competing in Snowboardcross all season so couldn’t have had better training for today. As I was one of the favourites to win that added extra pressure so I feel really happy and relieved at the same time to have won.”

Brits 09 Womens boarder-x podium
Brits 09 Womens boarder-x podium
Photo: Soulsports

The men’s final was just as competitive with all eager to be first out of the gates to get an advantageous lead. James Foster, who had got the fastest time overall of the days competition and had been riding solidly all day, got away from the others first and despite the others being hot on his heels throughout the whole course, he held onto his lead for the entire race securing him the top spot and the title for the second year running. The rest of the riders all had solid faultless runs and continued to try and close the gap on James but his impressive run meant no one got the chance to steal his lead on this occasion. Second over the finish line was Tim McGregor followed by Nick Dudar and in fourth place David Osgood.

Brits 09 Mens boarder-x podium
Brits 09 Mens boarder-x podium
Photo: Soulsports

“It’s really good to be back at the BRITS, the course was bigger and better this year and luckily the weather was kind to us. I’m very happy to have won as it’s my first race of the season”, said James Foster of his win.
 

Related Pages

  • BEO mens halfpipe finals, winners podium Peetu Piiroinen completes a BEO clean sweep
    Poland's Paulina Ligocka (25 years old) and Finland's Peetu Piiroinen (21 years old) won the 11th Burton European Open halfpipe event yesterday -17Jan10
  • BEO2010 Mens Slopestyle Finals Winner Peetu Piiroinent Piiroinen and Rukajärvi win the BEO slopestyle
    Finnish riders Peetu Piiroinen (21 years old) and Enni Rukajärvi (19 years old) were the big winners of an exciting slopestyle finals up on Crap Sogn Gion today. Watch the highlights here. -15Jan10
  • BEO 2010 Laari IIkka-Eemeli Front-side1080 Double Cork Finnish riders dominate Mens Halfpipe Semis at BEO
    At the Burton European Open in Laax, it was mens halfpipe qualification & semi final day. 20-years-old Finnish rider Ilkka-Eemeli Laari came 1st. Brit Ben Kilner narrowly missed out of the finals, finishing in 18th place. -14Jan10
  • BEO10 Slopestyle semi finals. Rider Janne Lipsanen Jamie Nicholls makes it to BEO slopestyle finals
    At the Burton European Open in Laax, Switzerland Brit Jamie Nicholls made the slopestyle final 16, after his top 10 finish in the semis. -13Jan10
  • BEO2010 Slopestyle Qualification, Miikka Hast BEO10 Slopestyle qualification results
    The top 18 men and the top 13 ladies advance into the semi-finals where they will meet invited top-riders. Britains Jamie Nicholls qualified in 14th place and Aimee Fuller came 4th in the womens. -12Jan10
Related categories

:: British Snowboard Tour stories
:: Brits 2009, Laax stories
:: Laax stories

News feed AddThis Feed Button Add to Google
Image Gallery
Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge
Click on an image to expand
Brits 2009, Laax

28 Mar-4 Apr 09

Celebrating its 20th Birthday next year, Europe's ultimate and longest established winter festival leaves adolescence well behind, as The BRITS prepares to hit, jib and tweak its twenties in style

Laax, Switzerland
Freeriding: 80% - Trees & some good off-piste
Freestyle: 85% - 2 terrain parks & huge halfpipe
Pistes: 80% - Great condition & variety
Related pages
Main headlines