Boarder-X at the Brits 09 in Laax

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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.
 

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Brits 2009, Laax

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