Terje Haakonsen has been chasing down the ever-elusive world record of 9.3 meters by Heikki Sorsa in 2001 at TAC. Today, that record was shattered as Haakon set the standard on just his second run with a clean nine meter air, then with a monstrous 9.6 meter method, to the world record 9.8 meter air with a backside 360 out as Terje completely covered the Oakley Ellipse icon on top of the sword.
The crowd, team managers and riders absolutely lost it as everyone waited to hear the official height of Terje’s method. As the announcer began to speak, the crowd went silent with anticipation and then it was official at 9.8 meters The Viking King of Transition Riding had thrown down the largest air in the history of transition riding. Terje was given a bear hug of joy as everyone surrounded him with cameras and smiles. Terje looked back at the Quarterpipe and the signature Haakon grin came across the Norwegian’s face. It was official; the man who started The Oakley Arctic Challenge was now the world record holder of his own event.
Make Room On The Podium For Bonfire Rider Matt Ladley
Bonfire Snowboarding Company is proud to announce the first major podium for Bonfire team rider and U.S. Snowboarding rookie team member Matt Ladley.
Ladley, a Colorado native, claimed his place on the podium at the final Halfpipe event of the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix series, held February 24th at Tamarack Resort in Idaho. He came in 3rd place, with Louie Vito in 2nd and Tommy Czeschin in 1st.
Before making his splash at Tamarack, Ladley won two Halfpipe events during the 2007 Chevrolet Revolution Tour series, which Bonfire is also a proud sponsor.
Bonfire’s Director of Marketing, Amy Eichner says, I’m really proud of Matt’s accomplishments this season, from his first Grand Prix podium to his consecutive wins at the Revolution Tours. He’s such a hard working kid who manages to juggle his snowboard career while maintaining good grades in school. I’m glad to have such a talented rider like Matt representing our brand.”
The Halfpipe event from Tamarack will air on Versus Sunday, March 4th at 3p.m ET and on NBC, March 10th at 2 p.m. ET
The Arctic Challenge, in Oslo, Norway February 26-March 3 will be Matt’s next stop.
Portland local Jeff Caldwell wins his Masters division (30-39) at the 22nd annual Legendary Banked Slalom with an impressive time of 1:34.45! For those of you who are unsure, that is fast!
This was his 4th year riding in the Baker Banked Slalom. He pulled in some strong finishes starting four years ago in the Older amateur class (’04 8th place, ‘05 5th place). Jumping into the Masters division (Old guys rule!!) last year was a 4th place in 2006 and finally his 1st place finish this year in 2007.
It’s that time of year again for those new shred movie teasers. Gotta get us warmed up for some spring riding and looking forward to working on that new bag of tricks.
Here are the links to a few other teasers at Snowboard-Mag.com
Rome Any Means Teaser
