DECEMBER 19: Viva La X
Taking full advantage of the only European Winter X Games qualifier, French skiers shined in Val Thorens, France taking three of four qualifying spots. Laurent Favre Reguillon, 18, led the French revolution with a creative run loaded with switch spins.
Baptiste Collomb Patton took third, while 14 year-old wunderkind Gigi Couttet turned in the surprise performance of the day, finishing fourth, ahead of veteran skiers like Canada's Thomas Rinfret and Iannick B. While the Canadians exhibited their prowess on rails, it apparently that wasn't enough to impress the judges.
Rory Bushfield, 19, also of Canada, spoiled the French sweep with a technical, aerial-filled run that landed him in second. All four qualifiers will be competing in their first ever Winter X Games. Bushfield is already qualified for superpipe.
The last chance to qualify for the Winter X Games slopestyle takes place January 24-26 in Breckenridge, Colorado. Check out www.globaleventmanagement.com for details.
RESULTS: Boarderweek Val Thorens Slopestyle
1.....Laurent FAVRE-REGUILLON..... France.....Scott USA
2.....Rory BUSHFIELD.....Canada.....Rossignol
3.....Baptiste COLLOMB-PATTON.....France.....Dynastar
4.....Gigi COUTTET.....France.....Rossignol
5.....J.L. RATCHEL.....France.....Dynastar
6.....Iannick B.....Canada.....Salomon
7.....Thomas RINFRET.....Canada.....Rossignol
8.....Jon Mc MURRAY.....Canada.....Rossignol
9.....Pierre ESPARGLIERE.....France.....Dynastar
10.....Thomas DIET.....France.....Dynastar
