The 2014 Subaru Freeride Series kicked off today in Crested Butte, CO. The Crested Butte event has a long an storied history, and is the longest running freeride competition in North America. Todays 2- Star event was worthy of the history books. Male and Female skiers and snowboarders descended the Headwall venue with style and power in an effort to accumulate points and possibly get a free pass to tomorrows 4-Star event.
The large amount of snowfall in the Crested Butte area over the last 10 days made for fantastic powder conditions and the visual inspection kept the snow in top condition. The sun was in and out all day, but flat light and poor visibility were a major factor in how athletes performed. In the end high speed riding and some really large airs brought top results to a few talented riders.
Women’ Skiing was dominated by Kele Thorsen today. Thorsen had the fastest run of the day for the ladies and also stomped the largest air, earning her the top spot on the podium. The remaining podium positions were taken by Mali Noyes and Tara Tafi who finished second and third respectively.
The Men’s skiing category displayed the boldest moves of the day with huge cliff drops and large high speed turns causing point totals to skyrocket. Top honors today went to Girdwood, AK native Tanner Cabana who sent the largest possible feature in the Angle Gully area and rode out cleanly. Second Place went to the young Daniel McFadden, who also hit an enormous air and navigated the bumpy lower section with ease. Local skier Matt Evans finished in third place in his first adult competition. A long time competitor on the Junior Freeride Tour Evans is looking to make an impression in his home town of Crested Butte.
Snowboarders made their first appearance in Crested Butte freeride history today. The women’s field saw top results from Marissa Krawczak, Tiffany Noel, and Leslie Glenn who stood on the podium in that order. The mens snowboarder category also attacked the hill today with Brian Stenerson taking down first place. Kirkwood rider Abe Greenspan finished second by showing off his big mountain abilities. Squaw Valley resident Christopher Galvin ended up third on the day.
The top three male skiers and two female skiers will be joining the pre-qualified 4-Star athletes on the Staircase venue tomorrow for the first 4-Star event of the 2014 Subaru Freeride Series. For the snowboarders the top two male and the first place female riders will also get the bump into the 4-Star event.
Keep your eyes on Subarufreerideseries.com for more updates and a Live feed of the finals on Saturday February 15th.
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Subaru Freeride Series 2014 Teaser:
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