The 2010-2011 Winter Dew Tour kicks off this week in Breckenridge, and Freeskier has made some predictions about how things will shape up. We’ve considered where athletes stand health wise, how they’ve been riding lately, and past competition experience. Mix ‘em all up and voilà, you’ve got our picks. Also, be sure to check out our halfpipe selections. Have a different idea about the outcome? Voice your opinion in the comments section or on Facebook.
Slopestyle – Men
1. Tom Wallisch – Dew Tour jumps are not known for their size; the courses are tight and demand creativity. This is Tom's forte. He spins both ways better than almost anyone, and his style is flawless. Tom placed 3rd in overall Dew Cup points last year, and you can bet he’s gunning for the top spot.
2. Bobby Brown – Consistency is the name of his game. Double flip to the left, double to the right, you know it’s coming to his feet. Based on his performance at the early season big air events, and also having caught a glimpse of him in Summit County recently, we know what Bobby brings to the table. Brown took honors in Breckenridge in ‘08-09, and after ceding that title to Andreas last season, he’s looking to re-claim it.
3. Andreas Håtveit – Speaking of Andreas, this is an athlete who has a private terrain park in his own back yard. Boasting perhaps the biggest bag of tricks in the game, and with a slew of Dew podiums under his belt, Andreas is the real deal. Andreas is the current holder of the Dew Cup, and he’s not going to give it up for free.
4. PK Hunder – This heavy hitting Norwegian is a force to be reckoned with. He’s got the tricks, and he knows how to put down a run when it counts. Couple his experience with his pure drive, and you’ve got one of the highest caliber athletes in the game. PK won the Dew Cup in ‘08-09, and after facing some injuries last year, he’s motivated to get back on top.
5. Gus Kenworthy (The Dark Horse) – An invitation to JOSS, a film segment with MSP, and a win in both Pipe and Slope at the Aspen Snowmass Open last year, Gus Kenworthy is well on his way to being one of the sport’s biggest names. Blue-bird or grey-bird, he’s one of the first to arrive on the hill, and one of the last to leave. His technical prowess is on point, and he’s on the hunt for his first Dew Tour podium.
Slopestyle – Women
1. Anna Segal – One of the most decorated slope riders on the women’s side of things, Anna has some impressive inverts in her repertoire. Her solid competition experience, including X-Games gold in ’09, makes her a formidable competitor. Placing 2nd at this same event last year, she’s got the top-spot in her sights. Fresh off a 2nd place finish at the NZ Freeski Open this summer, we know she’s got what it takes.
2. Keri Herman – Keri might not spin to win, but she sure can spin both ways and she does it with style. The other ladies are still catching up in this department, and until they do Keri is a sure bet. Keri calls Breckenridge home, and as an Under Armour athlete, she’s looking to “protect this house.”
3. Ashley Battersby – Ashley is coming off a strong ’09-10 season with results including: 1st place at the Aspen Snowmass Open, 4th place at X-Games and 3rd place at X-Games Europe. She’s got some serious switch tricks in her arsenal, and her style is smooth. Look for her to be making moves.
4. Devin Logan (The Dark Horse) – Sister to Sean and Chris Logan, Devin has solid ski skills running through her veins. Coming off a stellar ’09-10 season with podium appearances at the Aspen Open, Mount Snow Open and Junior Olympics, she’s got the skills to pay the bills.
