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Pipe action from the US Snowboarding Grand Prix

By Tyler Davis on 2 February 2013 in Snowboarding

The US Snowboarding Grand Prix brings world class halfpipe riding to Park City, Utah

The second stop of the US Snowboarding Grand Prix wrapped up in Park City, Utah with the men and women’s superpipe final. The lack of early season snow meant that the event had to be moved from the original December date, but the postponement worked out favorably as the sun was out and the pipe was perfect.

The ladies were the first to drop and it was Chinese rider Jiayu Liu who was able to ride away with the win. She put together a great run that included tons of amplitude, back to back 540’s and 720’s. After taking fourth place at the 2010 Olympics, Jiayu solidified her position as a contender for Sochi. Arielle Gold finished just behind Jiayu in second place. Disappointed to not take the win, she was able to get some consolation by being crowned US halfpipe champion. Rounding out the podium was Kaitlyn Farrington, who put together a solid run to land in third place.

The men’s final was action packed. Luke Mitrani finished the day in third place and his result meant that he took home the Grand Prix halfpipe title. Luke went massive on his second run, stomping giant back to back double cork 1080’s and finishing up his run with a sick double michalchuk.

Luke Mitrani's 3rd place run

Scotty Lago put down the best run of the day to finish in second place. Coming off the heels of a mishap at last weeks X-Games, Lago threw down a killer run. He started off with a huge cab double cork 1080, then threw the trick of the contest on his last hit, a double cork 1260 truck driver. It was one of the most impressive runs I have seen this year and it was good to see Lago back on the podium.

Scotty Lago's 2nd place run

After taking an uncharacteristic fall on his first run, Shaun White was able to put down a clean second run and take the win. You have to give it to him, when the pressure is on he knows what to do. He was able to land the trick the gave him trouble on his first run, the double mctwist 1260 and walk away with the win.