Words: Freddie Fruhstuck. Photos: Vernon Deck
Last week, around 25 years after the Austrian resort held the first halfpipe world champs, Ischgl welcomed a mix of legends past, present and future to tear things up on an innovative new contest concept. Our man Freddie Fruhstuck was there to report…
Aah Ischgl, What a place. If you’ve ever been, you’ll never forget. For too many reasons to mention, Their slogan “Relax-If you can” says it all. In Ischgl even your car gets to feel special, cause you won’t be parking in garages but in a lounge. Yes, it’s true.
But I digress. The reason why you’re reading this is because Ischgl hosted the Banked Air last week last week, (the brainchild our our beloved Klaus Marko – aka Captain Chaos – of 90s SPC Camp Fame) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the first Halfpipe World Champs, held in Ischgl back in 1993
The concept of the Banked Air is simple. Riders race on a banked course with some extra spice: four hips followed by banks and a kicker at the end. As in any regular banked slalom, time is of essence, but seconds are deducted for airtime, style and difficulty. A chip attached to each rider’s board registers the time spent off the ground.
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