Scots and Welsh reign at The Brits Snowboardcross
Trespass brought the British Snowboardcross Championships to The BRITS for the 12th year running today with Giorgia Rescigno (20) and Kyle Wise (24) taking the national crowns.
Under a cloudless sky and above the panorama of the Tignes valley, an enormous field of 77 riders took to the formidable course to battle it out. With a huge crowd of local seasonaires being joined by some of the hottest Team GB talent, there was a great local atmosphere as the contest built up from the relaxed qualifying runs into the riotous 4 x 4 rounds and the finals. Whilst the competition was fierce, the high standard field made sure the racing was clean, and that the quickest riders got their time to shine.
The Brits Snowboard Cross Mens Podium 2014
The Brits
Leading the way for the gents was Scottish speed demon Kyle Wise who rinsed the field in qualifying, cruising home a clear second faster than the rest of the field. In the head to head rounds he didn’t let up the pressure, and proved that he had the mettle for close quarter racing and stormed his way through the quarters, semis and finals to take the British title. Close behind Kyle was Tom Farrow (25) grabbing the second step of the podium. Adorned in pink and yellow and amped up to the eyeballs, Tom was probably the most unmissable rider on course, and he backed up the bravado with some incredible speed and race presence. Topping off the podium was the young Max Thidling (18), who stepped up from the junior category in stylish fashion.
Here’s what Kyle had to say about his win: “Great course, really fast with a few hairy corners at the end to spice things up. What I love about boardercross is that it's so challenging and there's always ways to improve - I'm blessed just to be able to do this full time.”
The Brits Snowboard Cross Womens Podium 2014
The Brits
The women’s title race made for an incredible finale as Ayla Thidling (14) lost her first place position on the very last corner. Waiting in the wings and capitalising on Thidling’s error it was Giorgia Rescigno who swept through to take her first British title. Giorgia started her day as she meant to go on with a barnstormer of a qualifying run, posting the 4th fastest time of the entire field, putting her right up there with the Team GB lads. Joining Rescigno on the podium were Ellie Soutter (13) in 2nd and Ayla taking the bittersweet Bronze, but at least not leaving Tignes empty handed.
Giorgia was more than stoked on her victory: “I had a brilliant time. It was a great race & a relaxed atmosphere. I'm pretty competitive when it comes to boardercross and this was a close final. Heaps of adrenaline kept me going.”
Outside of the overall category, the racing was no less fierce as groms to granddads took on the course and each other. Down in the youngest category, mini shredder Kealan Venning (12) showed some gnarly speed and swept the competition. Up in the Masters, Mark Hayman (46) took the silver whilst rocking boots older than most competitors, and Val D’Isère local hero Derrick De Jong (31) grabbed the top spot.
Trespass British Snowboardcross Championships Results
Men Women
1st – Kyle Wise 1st – Giorgia Rescigno
2nd – Thomas Farrow 2nd – Ellie Soutter
3rd – Max Thidling 3rd – Ayla Thidling
Get yourself over to www.the-brits.com, where you will be able to find results and picture galleries of all the Snowboard and Freeski action, as well as highlights from across the festival.
The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Trespass & Monster Energy. Supporting Partners: Whitelines, Downdays.eu, Ski Club, Snowboardclub.co.uk, Funi and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).
Related Pages
Tignes
Snow sure, true boarders' moonscape Great all-round resort with something for everyone, no matter what your ability. However, watch out some for long lift queues and crowds during school holidays and weekends.