What's New in Avoriaz?

The winners! photo source: Black Market Bikes

The first ever Avoriaz Roof'n Slopestyle freestyle bike event took place on 14th/15th July this year. After a slightly delayed start whilst the course dried out following heavy rain showers, the competition kicked off on the Monday night with the best trick jam in the centre of the resort. Won by British rider, Sam Pilgrim, the remainder of the event took place under perfect bluebird skies, much to the delight of the watching crowd. Here is the official press release and results from the event:

Under a radiant sun, and watched by over 10 000 spectators, the 30 top world riders took part in this new contest, already rated as one of the top international MTB slopestyle events (Whistler, Barcelona, Milan and Munich)..

The Braun Roof’n slopestyle is a new age MTB event: it doesn’t take place at ground level, but on the roofs and along the streets in the centre of Avoriaz, a mountain resort with its own particular architectural style.

For a first event, the result was amazing, with mountain bikers literally flying through the skies as they executed jumps and figures over 10 metres high, whilst riding around an intriguing track comprised of giant earth and wood modules: launch ramps, scaffolding, swing bridges and other challenging obstacles. The circuit, designed by Cervo, THE slopestyle specialist, is ‘totally mad’ according to professional riders, who were very impressed by the track’s original and challenging aspects.

No stopwatch - amplitude, fluidity, style, commitment and difficulty were the criteria analysed by the 4 judges during the 2 runs braved by each rider.

Following the qualifying runs, the 24 best riders set off for a final run, which resulted in a victory for Sam Pilgrim, one of the favourites. He had already beaten all rivals the previous day in the Best Trick test (over 2 consecutive jumps), and ended up over-all champion of this MTB freestyle event - the biggest ever organised in Europe. In Avoriaz this British rider confirmed his tight hold on the sport’s pole position, having already won 3 major contests so far this year (1st London Quashquai / 1st Vienna Air King / 1st FISE). He out-classed the American champion Cameron McCaul (winner of the 1st Berrecloth Invitational 2007). Both of them commented that they were ‘surprised by the originality of the concept, impressed by the sporting event itself, and had great pleasure riding the track’. Sam professed to being ‘proud to have won this first competition’.

The top French performer came third. Yannick Graneri took a daring chance, and remarkable risks that the judges seem to have approved of, and justly rewarded. He attempted a figure never seen in France before, called a ‘double tailwhip’ (the bike pivots twice around the handle bars during a jump).

As for the Canadian Ben Boyco, one of the favourites, he made a bad strategic choice. A rigid bike (as opposed to a total suspension model) would have given him an advantage on the technical modules he was faced with. His compatriot Darren Berrecloth also regretted his choice of bike, but ‘had a lot of fun riding, and adored the resort, very different from Canadian ones’.

The level of talent was remarkably high but particular praise was given to Tom Cauquil, winner of the amateur competition, at only 17 years old. He qualified for the final of the Pro contest and managed to pull a remarkable 5th place out of the hat. Thomas Genon (aged 15) was the youngest rider in the competition, and confirmed his potential by bagging 17th place.

Riders gave their all to the event by attempting previously untested tricks: a 720, double loop and front flop for Rodolphe Legendre, who, even though he came in last, certainly sent a shiver through the audience with his performance and skill.

For a first event, it seems that the organisation was extremely impressive and everyone has promised to return. In line with the list of winners, the top 15 riders have been invited to take part in the second event, which will take place in Avoriaz in July 2009.

We'll be bringing you our own video from the event later in the week so watch this space!