Dan Himbrechts caught this one as Ryan Thorley was headding for a world record breaking 50-50.
OK, its late and I’m knackered. I’m sitting in a bar right now trying to piece together todays events… It’s been hectic to say the least. After attending media briefings, setup tests and rider briefings all morning, the actual wildcard event kicked off at around 3pm. It was ‘touch and go’ for a while there with the traditional SnoSho weather coming in and hammering us all with rain, hail, wind and everything else besides the snow and sunshine we were hoping for. Still, come 3pm the clouds parted, the day brightened and the riders got after it on the longest rail. The riders all gave it a good shot with the wildcard winner being Ryan Thorley who managed a world record breaking 54.15 meters! Everything was going well before things took a dramatic turn. Read more for all the deets.
A massive light and camera tower over the jump was caught by a sudden 80kmh wind knocking it, with its expensive stadium lighting, to the ground. Not long after a second tower was looking shaky and the crews worked frantically to bring them down. The towers stradle the comp course and consequently it was unsafe for the riders to continue. Things will be back on track tomorrow when the prediction is for “fine and sunny with moderate westerly winds.” Peep the photos below courtesy of Dan Himbrechts and some girl called Michelle (Thanks Michelle!). Log on again tomorrow afternoon for more news from the 2007 SnoSho.
Riders registrating.
Tomo getting excited.
Tory and Chunk getting ready.
Just missed Dan’s flash equipment… Phew!
It’s meant to look something like the one on the right.
Ouch!
Tower 2 coming down fast!
Where were you on that one weather channel girl?
Ryan Thorley – Pretty damn pleased with himself!
Tomo having a chat to the winner.
