Record turn out at English Slopestyle Champs
This year marked the fourth English Indoor Slopestyle Championships, which took place at Chill Factore Manchester in late June, with a record number of competitors taking part.
The snowboarders kicked off the day of competition with open practice in the morning, followed by the qualification round, and ending with a 2-run final – taking the top 12 men and top 6 women.
The final was hotly contested in the men’s competition– with Scott Walsh taking the overall win and the title of English Slopestyle Champion with some high-tech switch rail skills at the top and a huge backside rodeo in his second run in the finals. Behind Walsh was Ciaran Tucker & Harry Waite who rounded off the podium.
In the women’s event, Cerys Allen rode brilliantly all day with some very stylish 360 Indy’s to become the women’s Slopestyle Champion, whilst Mia Brookes and Bradie Zimmer-Collins were hot on her heels.
After a quick re-shape of the course, the skiers took to the slopes to see who was going to take the English Slopestyle Championship title. The atmosphere at the top of the slope was electric, with all the athletes encouraging one another and cheering each other on successful runs, creating a fun environment for everyone, one of the key objectives for the event.
In the finals, Justin Taylor-Tipton was successful in winning the men’s competition, becoming Overall English Slopestyle Champion, whilst Chris McCormick and Callum Welch took second & third place respectively.
In the women’s final, Thea Fenwick stood out all day to take the top spot, closely chased by Lara Shaw and Kirsty Muir.
The competition saw some outstanding riding from all the athletes across all the age categories, with the younger athletes keeping the older ones on their toes all day.
Snowsport England Talent Development Lead Ian Findlay said of the day, "I was impressed with the quality of riding on display on Saturday. In both the snowboard and ski finals, everyone hugely stepped it up. This is our 4th running of the English Slopestyle Championships and for me it was the best one yet. All the riders are a credit to their sport and I'd like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the event happen".
A huge thanks to all volunteers, park-shapers and officials who made the event run so smoothly, and to all the athletes who gave 100% all day.
The English Indoor Slopestyle Championships was the third in three English Indoor Championships taking place at Chill Factore this spring and summer. The Snowsport England competitions were open to all levels of riders, whilst at the same time being competitive for those looking to top the podium.
Thanks to Ski Club of Great Britain providing insurance for the under 16 winners and Ripperz will continue to provide the administration for the events.