Sochi Slopestyle Fear Continues!
Shaun White is the latest big name rider to wade into the debate over the safety of Sochi Slopestyle course!
The pressure is mounting on Sochi official to make further changes to the Slopestyle course after fears were raised from many of the top riders arriving in Sochi. The injury to Norwegian Torstein Horgmo seemed like an unfortunate accident at first but a genuine need to change the course seems to rising. He broke his collarbone on the course on Monday and will be forced to miss the games.
Sochi officials have already mad changes including reducing the height of all three jumps, but many riders feel it has not gone far enough.
Asked his opinion on the course Shaun White had the following to say on the matter:
"I'd have to say there is some truth to it.There is a bit of danger any time you step out. This one may have a bit more than the others. It has been a challenge. The consensus so far from everyone is that there are changes that need to be made."
Czech Republic's Sarka Pancochova believes that despite the official reducing the size of thethree jumps they are still too big for many of the female riders.
"For women, the big jumps are a little too big," she said. "It's a little bit dangerous still. You think they should have figured it out by now and they should have a course that is perfect."
There was a difference of opinion though as riders such as Max Parrot and Mark Mcmorris felt the changes were good enough.
"It's not too dangerous at all," said McMorris. Parrot also added: "The jumps were not perfect yesterday, but I still had fun.Today it was perfect. There is nothing to complain about. I don't think it can get much better."
Hamish McKnight told had the following to say after team GB tested the course saying " It rode much better. Because it was cold last night, they got the machines out and were able to smooth out the course. They also made some changes following yesterday's feedback and may make a few more tweaks."
Whatever is decided it must be done quickly as the slopestyle qualification begins on Thursday - a day before the opening ceremony - with finals due to take place on Saturday.