Two Olympiades ago, Markus was doing sick Alley Oops in the final of the pipe event in Torino. Today, Markus is definately more focus on filming, and his latest release CHAMÄLEON is a perfect example. But Markus is not done with contests, as a proof he was recently riding the Laax pipe at the BEO, once again with much style, and a statement: not spinning more than 720s. Time to ask him some questions…
I do it my way and show the youngsters and spectators that there’s more to do with a pipe than back to back 1080’s.
First of all, congrats for your sick display at BEO, we enjoyed the riding and the point you made there, especially in these ‘Sochi times’. But first let’s get it straight: how did you get the motivation to go back to some competitions this winter after a year on Chamäleon?
I didn’t plan to do competitions again. As I didn’t enter a contest in 3 years i also didn’t ride a lot of halfpipe except the few days filming it… It was more a mix of the lack of snow and not many options to shoot stuff, other obligations/kids camps i was doing near by anyway and good friends and locals talking me into it. Plus the Burton European Open in Laax was always one of my favorite events in one of my favorite halfpipes!
Is pipe still one of your favorite things to do?
I still like to ride pipe a lot. Especially as I didn’t get to ride it a lot lately and it’s a good way to get ready and warmed up for the season. A good shaped pipe with the right snow conditions is still one of my favorites things after good pow and backcountry…
You went to the final stating that you wouldn’t rotate more than 7. Was that a way to show the youngsters there’s a life after dub corks?
When I started considering my inscription for the BEO I decided to do it on condition that I do it my way and show the youngsters and spectators that there’s more to do with a pipe than back to back 1080’s. And I liked the challenge to do as good as possible with only low to no rotations…
Would you wish some competition set a rule of style, or maximum spin?
I’m not a fan of rules. but some new judging systems do not help much that riders keep at least one straight air, a standard manoeuver or other creativity in their runs. you can’t blame the riders too much as they do what’s needed to satisfy the judges and win a contest.
I don’t enjoy watching contest too much anymore. For me, it’s not really freestyle anymore if riders practice and show the same run over 3 seasons and more…
You were in the Torino final in 2006. But did watch the Sochi action at all? How do you see the whole pipe competition scene today?
I sure watched it, props to Iouri! But in general I don’t enjoy watching contest too much anymore. For me, it’s not really freestyle anymore if riders practice and show the same run over 3 seasons and more… You can already tell before each event what’s gonna happen and then there are also 9 out of 10 runs which are pretty much the same. We really need some refreshment for the sport in that concern!
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