#!markdown
When you think about the times when this sport has moved to the next level, I
would say this competition last weekend would be one of those. Game Changer
with respect to the level of riding. And when you describe some of the riding,
you'll probably mention Cam or Kelly's run. Sure Kyle had a great run - but it
wasn't really a game changer for me so I don't see why he'd be first. Didn't
he win in 2004 with a suicide no-hander (be it smaller)? And the top part of
his run - very similar to Cam's. And the bottom part - ohhh, a couple straight
jumps (little tail whip on one), things any competitor can do in their sleep.
Cam's run - ok, it's not a best jump competition, and the bottom half was very
mellow (could you focus after that jump?). I bet if he'd done a second run he
would have ripped the lower half - as he already secured a safe first run. So,
based on his one run, ok, maybe not 1st. Kelly on the other hand… I can't say
whether his or Cam's flip would be technically more difficult or dangerous.
But Kelly also risked a corked flip at the top (see what tricking early on
cost Semenuk), and then risked it all again with a flip at the bottom. How
that doesn't beat Kyle, you got me. I know, I wasn't there, etc. etc., but
sounds like Kelly was penalized because he went a bit off line at the very
bottom. Crap, isn't this supposed to be Freeride - I didn't think the judges
would be as critical as diving or figure skating judges (oh, his knee wasn't
perfectly bent at 90 degrees there). I think the public vote got it right on
Kelly, but hat's off to Cam too - both bringing the sport to a new (freakin'
dangerous) level.
Oct. 16, 2013, 5:47 p.m. - Nelson1111
#!markdown When you think about the times when this sport has moved to the next level, I would say this competition last weekend would be one of those. Game Changer with respect to the level of riding. And when you describe some of the riding, you'll probably mention Cam or Kelly's run. Sure Kyle had a great run - but it wasn't really a game changer for me so I don't see why he'd be first. Didn't he win in 2004 with a suicide no-hander (be it smaller)? And the top part of his run - very similar to Cam's. And the bottom part - ohhh, a couple straight jumps (little tail whip on one), things any competitor can do in their sleep. Cam's run - ok, it's not a best jump competition, and the bottom half was very mellow (could you focus after that jump?). I bet if he'd done a second run he would have ripped the lower half - as he already secured a safe first run. So, based on his one run, ok, maybe not 1st. Kelly on the other hand… I can't say whether his or Cam's flip would be technically more difficult or dangerous. But Kelly also risked a corked flip at the top (see what tricking early on cost Semenuk), and then risked it all again with a flip at the bottom. How that doesn't beat Kyle, you got me. I know, I wasn't there, etc. etc., but sounds like Kelly was penalized because he went a bit off line at the very bottom. Crap, isn't this supposed to be Freeride - I didn't think the judges would be as critical as diving or figure skating judges (oh, his knee wasn't perfectly bent at 90 degrees there). I think the public vote got it right on Kelly, but hat's off to Cam too - both bringing the sport to a new (freakin' dangerous) level.