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Stylewars 2011 Wraps as Jye Kearney Wins 28 Stairs event

It’s a case of ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!’ as Jye Kearney becomes the first Australian to win the Stylewars Stairmaster title at the 2011 28 Stairs rail event. Jibbing Dutchman Cees Wille bags Best Trick. Watch the highlights…

Claiming the win at Stylewars’ notorious 28 Stairs event at Falls Creek’s Village Bowl ain’t easy. The only riders to ever be crowned have been Mark McMorris (Canada, 2010), Sebastien Toutant (Canada, 2009), Charles Reid (Canada, 2008), and Will Jackways (New Zealand, 2007). Now Jye Kearney can claim membership of this exclusive club.

The 28 Stairs event began with a 45-minute qualification round that whittled the rider list down to 11 finalists. Competition was hot with standout performances from many Aussies including Matt Sedunary, Jason Maxfield, Cameron Staveley and Tim Nelson.

Event organiser and founder Richard Hegarty was amazed with the quality of homegrown riding: “It was great to finally see an Australian win this event; it is a very daunting set up. Jye has been on fire this winter, already winning $14,000 of prize money at rail jams all over Australia and New Zealand this year.”

Best trick was given to 19-year-old Dutch Cees Wille for his nollie hardway back 180 to switch 50/50 cab 180 out on the down bar. Wille, who flew all the way to Stylewars from The Netherlands just for this one-night event, says: “The rail set up was super fun. I think it is one of the best I have ever seen, even compared to some of the Euro competitions I’ve been to.”

His first time to Australia, Wille continues, “I am so impressed with this event. When I first got here, I couldn’t believe how many cameras there were. It was really well organised and the coverage is really great. I hope I get invited to come again next year.”

28 Stairs marks the close of Stylewars’ 10-year anniversary. Blessed with phenomenal snowboarding talent from Australia and overseas – combined with perfect sunny and clear conditions across all three days – the team and all riders involved already can’t wait for Stylewars 2012.