Nike ACG UK Weekly Update W/C 21/03/06

Hi all,

It’s been a highly eventful week with all but one of our Pro Team having been heavily involved in the mountains. Naturally, the Brits has been the main focus for the guys but it doesn’t stop there.

THE ORANGE BRITS 2006


Dan Wakeham

Dan flew into Switzerland right off the back of Lake Placid and was only at the Brits for 48 hours before shooting on to Japan. However, it was a pleasure to watch him ride the pipe so well and the unanimous verdict was that his riding has come on leaps and bounds since this time last season. He was not able to topple Dom Harrington however, who retained his Half-pipe title. Dan’s second place was secured with some huge airs, Cripplers, 900’s Haakon flips and McTwists. The crowd were on their feet for each of his runs and he was rightfully pleased with his performance. It was just Dom’s day, although many felt that the result was too close to call with the two of them looking world class.


Murray Buchan

Murray has officially made the step from super grom into one of the most feared and respected UK skiers. In taking to the podium in both the senior mens Slopestyle and Big Air he has muscled past many of the ‘key UK riders’ and was undoubtedly one of the stories of the event. Naturally, he also won his age group in these events.

Murray’s 3rd place in the Slopestyle was secured with a switch 540 into the first kicker before a corked 720 into the second. His style on the rails shone through and his runs were an all round polished performance.

In the Big Air, Murray threw down a switch 900. Enough said really: this is a crazy trick for anyone to attempt, let alone for a 14 year old to stomp. Again, Murray burst through his age group and onto third on the podium.

Murray had a load of bad luck in the pipe: having qualified for the finals yet again he fell on a 540 in his first run. In preparation for his second run one of his skis was accidentally kicked down the hill and was lost for several hours. It meant that Murray was unable to complete a run in the finals.


Paddy Graham

Paddy has made the pipe his priority this season and it shows. He dismantled the opposition at the Orange Brits and was throwing huge rotations and at least 15ft of air at some points- check out the picture. His closest rival, Andy Bennett could not compete with the technical aspects of Paddy’s corked 7s and 900s and he was clearly delighted in securing his first senior title in his maiden year in the category.

Having wrapped up the competition, the riders were invited to take part in a highest air jam comp. Once again, Paddy left jaws on the floor and it came as no surprise that he walked away with the additional award.

Away from the pipe, Paddy didn’t podium but approached each comp with bags of style. It’s worth noting that the pipe was the final event of the week and Paddy was eager to concentrate on the title and practice whenever possible.


Angus Leith

Since his selection onto the GB team, Angus’ riding has clearly gone through the ceiling and his Half-pipe performance last week did a huge amount for his profile. Still only 17, Angus nevertheless made it into the senior men’s final at the Brits and looked hugely comfortable with a pipe that was proving too much for a number of experienced riders.



His runs were littered with 7s and inverts, including Cripplers and bags of air. With the likes of fellow team mates Wakeham and Harrington going off on another level Angus need not worry about not hitting the podium but there’s bags more to come from our young man.





Rebecca Cullum

Rebecca’s all out assault on the junior women’s event included a 3rd in the BoarderX, 2nd in Slopestyle and 1st in Big Air. Despite having precious little time to ride snow during the season Rebecca stepped out to demonstrate just why she is respected as one of the hottest and most consistent young talents amongst the ranks.






F.I.S. WORLD CUP


Dan Wakeham

Dan has thrown everything at the last couple of events this season. Not only did he fly from Lake Placid and compete in the Brits, but he also went straight onto the World Cup Finals in Japan. It’s fair to say that fatigue has played its part.

Out in Lake Placid he placed 25th and in Furano, at the World Cup Finals he finished up the season with a 17th. His overall World Cup placing for this season is a hugely credible 31st out of 125 competitors.


Zoe Gillings

Zoe literally just missed out on qualification to the knockout heats in Lake Placid, coming in 17th. With the top 16th qualifying for the finals she was gutted she didn’t get a crack at the competitors in a head to head but continues to be one of the most respected athletes at the highest level.

On 17th March, having gone ahead to the World Cup Finals Zoe qualified for the quarter finals but was knocked out with more bad luck. Her final placing was 12th, leaving her World Cup ranking for the season at no. 36. Zoe’s upbeat about her comeback; still limping she’s conscious that her rehab has gone as well as possible and is looking forward to coming back harder and stronger next season.


OTHER EVENTS


Noddy Gowans @ Red Bull Snow Thrill

Noddy was amongst the top 20 worldwide free-riders invited to Gressoney, Italy, for the most prestigious European backcountry event of the season. Sitting in first place after the first day, Nodds continued to shred the cliffs and lines and came in second after the three days of tough competition. Noddy was hugely saddened to receive tragic news whilst he was competing, of a close friend’s death in an avalanche as well as the passing away of his grandmother. He nevertheless kept pushing hard and came through away with one of his finest results of his career to date.

More event details can be found at http://www.redbullsnowthrill.com/





It’s over to the Dolomites next week to hit the road with the Fall Line / Document crew. If the weather continues to conjure up bluebird skies we will have the most stunning scenery to play with.

Looking forward to bringing you more news

All the best

Jimmy