Scotty James on top at Copper Mountain halfpipe World Cup
Published Sun 09 Dec 2018
Credit: FIS Media
The 2018/19 FIS Snowboard halfpipe World Cup season opened with a bang on Saturday, as Scotty James claimed victory in an incredible day of riding at the Toyota US Grand Prix FIS Snowboard World Cup in Copper Mountain (USA).
With the perfectly-cut Copper pipe running smoothly and a collection of the best halfpipe riders in the world on hand, the stage was set for an epic opening to the halfpipe season, and the competitors did not disappoint.
On the men’s side fans were treated to a titanic back-and-forth battle, as Scotty James and Toby Miller (USA) traded massive runs throughout the competition, with James eventually coming out on top with a score of 96.75 for a third and final run that saw a unique switch crippler chicken salad in the middle section and three double corks in a row to close things out, including a last hit frontside double cork 1260 indy that he landed with mere inches left in the pipe.
James was ecstatic with the result and credits his enjoyment of the sport for the gold medal performance.
“I feel like I’m in a better place than ever before, across the board. I’m really enjoying riding and travelling and everything that comes with the sport, and I think that shows in my riding.
“I think snowboarding is in a really healthy place right now, with a really good level of competition, and it’s good,” he said.
Up next for the 2018/19 FIS Snowboard halfpipe World Cup season is competition in China’s Secret Garden resort, where the riders will once again get a taste of the action at the future venue of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.