If you woke up Saturday morning, looked out the window and thought that a new ice age might be approaching, you’d also realise that it had to be Burton Cattlemans Rail Jam weekend… It’s the only kinda weather this event happens in.
Jye Kearney took out the win for a fourth year running, overtaking Robbie Walker for the most successful years on the rail. Second went to Canadian Geremy Guido with third to Jindy resident, Sam Nueman. Luke Staveley took out both Best Trick and Stand Out on the night.
There’s a mix of shots from the qualifiers, event and the after-party above, full press release below.
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Mt Buller, Saturday 11th July 2015 – Jye Kearney has officially become the most successful rider in Cattleman’s history, snatching an unprecedented fourth title and a $4000 pay cheque at the 10th annual Burton Cattleman’s Rail Jam.
With the snow falling on Mt Buller’s famous village square, Jye edged passed 15 of the country’s best snowboarders, finishing ahead of second placed Geremy Guido and third place Sam Nueman.
It’s hard to believe that at only 22, Jye is now a veteran at Cattleman’s and his experience in the event certainly showed as he was methodically worked through the jam, landing virtually every combination of 270s on and off the rail, impressive gaps from the upper takeoff and hits from both the left and right top close-out rails. Jye’s consistency, creativity and famously casual style has solidified his position as one of Australia’s best snowboarders and his dominance has certainly shown at Cattleman’s, where he is the only rider to win three back to back titles.
“I’m just so stoked, I felt like I rode really well and can’t believe this is my fourth title ” Jye said as he clutched another novelty cheque to add to the collection he keeps in his lounge room.
In what the judges called one of the hardest finals to judge in the event’s 10 year history, Jye was closely followed by little known Mt Buller seasonary, Geremy Guido from Kamploops, Canada who’s flawlessly smooth style and unique use of the whole stair-set secured him second place and $2000.
Third place went to Jindaybne local and all round character Sam ‘Red Dog’ Nueman who’s technicality, consistency and clinical bag of tricks landed him third place and a $1000 pay cheque to carry with him back to Jindabyne.
For the first time in Cattleman’s history, Burton and Mini offered the ‘Mini Stand Out Award’, a chance for one rider to receive a wild card for the Burton Rail Days event in Tokyo, Japan. With a relentless work ethic and incredible persistence it was Luke Staveley from Melbourne who earned a return trip to Japan and the chance to prove himself amongst the world’s best in October’s Tokyo Burton Rail Days. Luke’s phenomenal determination and pursuit of tricks never performed at Cattleman’s also landed him Best Trick, a backside 50-50 on the close out rail, gap to frontside lipslide on the centre rail, a trick never thought to have been possible at Cattleman’s. Best Trick earned Luke a selection of Burton Durable Goods camping essential valued at over $1500.
With some timely snowfall arriving at Mt Buller on Friday night, the Cattleman’s Rail Jam day kicked off with qualifiers on a modified Burton Cattleman’s Replica Stair Set in the Frank MBP Terrain Park. “We were at the mercy of the weather today, but once again it’s great to see so many up and coming youngsters from all over Australia in the field” said Paul Colby, Burton Australian Marketing Manager. “For 10 years now we’ve seen the best Australian rail riders come and go, but the event remains as grass roots as ever offering the chance for up and comers to prove themselves against Australia’s best riders”.
The day’s qualifying semi final was taken out by Troy Sturrock ($500), followed by Geremy Guido ($300) and Tim Laidlaw ($200).
As in years past, the official after party presented by Corona Extra at the Kooroora Hotel did not disappoint. The Mooch ignited the Back Bar, taking his mash-ups to the next level and ensuring that the Cattleman’s after party remains one of the most talked about events on the Australian snow calendar.
Results
1st Place – $4000 – Jye Kearney
2nd Place – $2000 – Gemery Guido
3rd Place – $1000 – Sam Neuman
Best Trick – Burton Durable Goods Prize Pack – Luke Staveley
Mini Stand Out Award – Luke Staveley
