Details are still hard to come by - we're waiting on the inevitable leaks - but these photos start to paint a pretty rad picture of what went down on the new and improved course. It looks like many riders took full advantage of the course "edits" and were busting out all the stops. From insanely huge airs and drops to classic Terje booster methods, this year's comp seemed to have it all.
Enjoy this drool-inducing gallery courtesy of the good folks at Redbull. And a big thanks to the staff photographers Christian Pondella, Tim Zimmerman and Scott Serfas. Killer work boys!
The official release:
Nelson, B.C. (February 17, 2013) – Sixteen of the world’s best snowboarders converged on the run known as “Scary Cherry” at Baldface Lodge, fighting deteriorating weather as the day went along, but only one rider could take home the top honor at Red Bull Ultra Natural. In the end, Austria’s Gigi Rüf stood on top of the podium after putting together a creative run showcasing his unique style, utilizing a variety of both the natural and man-made features on the mile long course. Switzerland’s Nicolas Müller not only took second place but was also presented the Best Trick Award with a gigantic mute air over a tree, sending himself nearly 100-feet down the 45+ degree course. Rounding out the podium was Southern California’s Bryan Fox, a first-timer at Red Bull Ultra Natural and a late addition to the event as a wildcard entry.
Nicolas Müller did the most tricks of anyone else on the hill today but fell on a backside 540, virtually ending his chances for the top spot. However, his huge mute air ollie over a treetop pillow left the judges in awe after going bigger and farther than almost anyone else on course today.
Bryan Fox may have been a newcomer to Red Bull Ultra Natural, but it sure didn’t show in his riding. Fox was the only rider to stand-up top to bottom his entire run, landing such difficult tricks as back-to-back-to-back 360’s, a frontside inverted 720 and a 50-50 off a log feature. In the end, the cleanliness of his run didn’t outweigh the creativity of Rüf’s or Müller’s.
Results: 1. Gigi Rüf (AUT) 2. Nicolas Müller (CHE) 3. Bryan Fox (USA) 4. Terje Håkonsen (NOR) 5. David Carrier-Porcheron (CAN) 6. Mark McMorris (CAN) 7. Eero Niemela (FIN) 8. Pat Moore (USA) 9. Lucas Debari (USA) 10. Travis Rice (USA) 11. Jussi Oksanen (FIN) 12. Bode Merrill (USA) 13. Jake Blauvelt (USA) 14. Wolfgang Nyvelt (AUT) 15. Torstein Horgmo (NOR) 16. Mikey Rencz (CAN)
