Vans Tahoe Cup 2007
Words and Pics Tawnya Schultz
Vans and Northstar at Tahoe joined forces this weekend to create an epic event once again. The festivities kicked off Friday evening at the rail jam showdown under clear skies and bright lights.
Rotax skills
Pros from across the globe showcased why they get paid the big bucks savaging for a chance at more money in the bank…shorty whatcha think. The girls threw down first and gave the audience a peek at what was to develop during the men’s heat.
Comstock gettin pressy
Highlights include Eric Comstock giving the bird to the kinked rail after finally accomplishing a mean 50-50 and Jaime Anderson dominating all parts of the feature in her ballerina-like manner with a cute little smile. Leanne Pelosi ranked number one at the end of the sesh after many styley jibs. As the boys hit the metal for their introduction runs the crowd became super amped anticipating the carnage.
The Northstar village was bumpin and flashbulbs were all the rage. “Is this a contest or a photo shoot?” said an onlooker. I said it was both.
stripped shirt guy
The jam started off all fun and games but soon enough some gnarly crashes went down. Ambiguous and Burton team rider Keegan Vailaika slammed more than five times but still threw down winning him another Vans trophy and 3rd place. Vermont native and new Tahoe resident Yale Cousino demanded a piece of the prize after an injury at last year’s event. Wearing his “gangsta” hoodie he pulled some steez noone else could. Although Yale slid a few stairs on his back once or twice he graciously received 2nd place honors.
Me and Gangsta hoodie...
Last but not least, Mr. Lucas Magoon, exceptionally killing it with his natural style. He was spinning and combining too many tricks with such ease so I can’t even say what won him the bank but for real Lucas shreds like he was born with a snowboard attached. A bunch of the guys were like “Damn, Lucas never falls.” I did witness him slide out once after he landed but other then that so fresh and so clean.
Goon's body double and James Jones reppin..
Anyway the rail jam was as entertaining as a Friday night could be…so sweet. http://www.snowboard-mag.com/node/19236
On Saturday the heavyweights flossed their skills once again annihilating the slopestyle course. Luckily the wind died down during finals and the boys properly gave it their all. Adding to his collections of wins this year including X Games gold Andreas Wiig made his new Nitro board sponsor proud with 1st place. Ski families cruising on the run next to the setup stopped and watched in awe.
Rotax throwin down even with a jacked up shoulder
Front board
Autti on it...well almost
“These are the guys who are really good snowboarders and go off the big jumps. Watch em, watch em” one dad said.
Andreas and the backdrop...
Mark spinnin it up
After the comp whoever managed to luck out and grub on free Wahoo’s in the rider tent was stoked. Next it was down to the ice rink where the pre party began. http://www.snowboard-mag.com/node/19256
Larry did get all the shots at the party with Souls of Mischief…but I don’t think he was complaining too much. He had a good time. Louie Vito chatted it up with the Snowboard Mag crew at dinner. I guess he’s in talks with Paul Wall to make him a grill. Look out for Vito in the coming months with a bling blingin smile. http://www.snowboard-mag.com/node/19289
On Sunday day three the pipe was the place to be.
Blam...in yo face
The intense halfpipe sessions were insane. Basically Danny kills it and I was really rooting for Lago or Vito to podium but in the end the kids from the other side of the world staked their claim.
Homies
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If you didn’t make it to Vans Cup and still wanna see more a Fuel TV special will premiere soon and Vans is also making a DVD so keep your eyes open for that…Peace!
