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Twenty-seven of the world’s finest stunt ditch skiers busted out their best runs today, competing for a spot in the superpipe finals, slated for Saturday, December 13 (tomorrow). The weather was perfect, there was hardly a cloud in the sky and the pipe was cut just right—a great setting for a top-notch show.
Run-after-run, it seemed as if the leading spot could be in anybody’s hands. Impressive performances were shown by Frenchmen Kevin Rolland and Benoit Valentin, as well as Canadians Mike Riddle and Simon D’Artois. However, it was Americans Gus Kenworthy and David Wise who claimed the top two qualifying positions in the end.
The pressure was on as Kenworthy dropped in for his second run after an uncharacteristic crash on his first attempt. The Olympic slopestyle medalist dropped a banger of a second run as he linked together a left cork 900 blunt, a right 1080 lead tail, a switch 720 Japan, an alley-oop double flat 900 Japan, a left 1080 lead tail and a switch rightside 900 lead tail on his last hit: good for a 92.50.
https://youtu.be/B3Zu6XX5pEA
Hot off of a win at the Copper Grand Prix event last week, David Wise did not disappoint today, either. The Olympic gold medalist captured the second position leading into Saturday’s final. Per usual, Wise brought a double cork 1260 to the moon. He’d earn a 91.50 for his efforts. Rounding out the podium was pipe slayer Kevin Rolland; he boasted big airs, his signature first hit double cork 1260 into an alley-oop flat 360 and a big ol’ switch 720, too, earning an even 90.
The last chance qualifier also showcased some serious talent this afternoon. Veteran Simon Dumont and up-and-comer Alex Ferreira threw down to each claim a spot in tomorrow’s final with very impressive runs. Dumont’s LCQ run didn’t include his usual big spins though he posted an 80.75. Instead, the Bethel, Maine native rocked it old school without throwing a single double in any of his runs. Instead, he opted to ski a very clean, stylish, massive run proving that style, locked grabs and badass airs are not dead by any means.
Men’s superpipe finals are going down on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m. MST Be sure to tune into @FreeskierLive on Twitter for all of the action and dewtour.com for a live stream of the event.
*Top Ten Advance to Finals*
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*Top Two Advance to Finals*
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Related: Maddie Bowman claims gold in the 2014 Dew Tour superpipe
