World Class Riding At Burton Nz Open
Local New Zealand snowboarders gave some of the world’s top riders a run for their money in today’s Burton NZ Open at
Cardrona Alpine Resort with a spectacular display of superpipe riding that stunned the spectators and judges.
The final results saw the outstanding talent of World Cup rider, Crispin Lipscomb (CAN) win through with a spectacular
37.4 out of a possible 40 score.
“Crispin has been in New Zealand riding at Cardrona for four seasons and has stepped up to the next level this last
year. He is undoubtedly world class,” said head judge, Ste’en Webster. “His huge technical manoeuvres and smooth
landings put him at the head of the field.”
Mason Aguire (USA) took second place only a point behind Lipscomb. At just 16 years old he is widely regarded in the
Northern Hemisphere as the next big name in snowboarding and has certainly made his mark on the Southern Hemisphere.
”We’d never seen this guy in New Zealand,” said Webster. “We’d heard a lot about him and it was great to see such solid
riding from such a young competitor.”
Third place went to UK rider Tom Wilmott who coaches Cardrona’s SAS Elite Team. One of his students, Mitchell Brown of
Wanaka, was just 2.4 points behind him in fifth, also aged only 16.
“Mitch’s riding has matured, he’s been overseas and that’s showing,” commented Webster. “He’s the current Youth World
Half Pipe champ and he’s now a force to contend with in an open field, not just the juniors.”
In the women’s competition local Wanaka rider and current New Zealand Women’s national champion Juliane Bray dominated
the field taking first place ahead of Abby Lockhart (Wanaka) and renowned USA rider Molly Aguire who rode strongly
throughout the day although a bad fall in her third run was unfortunate.”
Guy Alty from Burton was delighted with the competition and level of riding.
“It was amazing to have such an incredible day and view the level of international riding here in our own New Zealand.
Big thanks to everyone involved whether it be making sandwiches or calling the shots – all in all, an epic day.”