Foster Stomps NBD En Route to Dew Tour Podium

Lucas Foster earned his first career pro-level podium on Sunday, March 10, taking third place in the Dew Tour superpipe competition and landing a trick no other rider dares to throw – the double alley-oop mctwist.

It was a showdown between the Japanese riders and the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team and the Japanese dominated the top four spots heading into run two. Foster dropped in for the final time in front of an amped crowd that collectively held their breath as he laced together the first four hits of his run, setting him up to throw the never-been-done alley-oop double mctwist. Foster had previously landed the trick in World Cup competition but fell on a later hit, so landing it clean in Copper was a first for the Telluride local.

Foster launched himself into the air and soared over the Dew Tour superpipe, stomping the landing to send the crowd into an eruption of excitement and relief. After a season of countless attempts to put together this very run, Foster shared an emotional moment with his friends and family as the judges awarded him with a 94.00, marking the highest scoring run he’s ever put down in a contest and securing the first major pro podium of his career.

“I’ve been so close so many times, so it feels overdue,” said Foster. “I’m just glad I trusted my run plan today and let it all come together. All the hard work is paying off.”

With the spin-to-win mentality making its way into sport and triples becoming more common, Foster's unique riding style sets him apart from fellow competitors. “I think it’s important to have your own signature tricks,” said Foster. “Halfpipe is so competitive and I want to do what I can to stand out to be Lucas, not just another halfpipe rider.”

At Dew Tour, he certainly set himself apart. After a season of highs and lows, a podium finish reignited Foster’s drive and passion for the sport heading into next season.

“I honestly was debating doing Dew Tour a few weeks ago because I was feeling burnt out after the long World Cup tour, so I really just let go and had fun riding in front of the home crowd,” he said. “It just feels right because I’ve been working so hard and having it all come together and be rewarded for it makes all of the challenges worth it. I’m so glad I didn’t give up. There are still a lot of tricks that I want to learn and a lot that I have but are not in my run yet, so I’m excited to really get a run dialed in that I know I’m capable of. This is just a green light to keep going.”

Foster was joined in the finals by Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team teammates Alessandro Barbieri, Chase Blackwell and Chase Josey. Josey also surprised the crowd with a never-been-done trick of his own, pulling out an ally-oop double rodeo flip to showcase his ever-growing bag of tricks. The squad faced tough competition with the likes of Japan’s Ayumu Hirano, Yuto Totsuka, Kaishu Hirano and Ruka Hirano, but Josey’s creativity earned him sixth overall. Barbieri ended the day in seventh and Blackwell rounded out the crew in eighth. 

With the halfpipe season done and dusted, the squad will take a well-deserved break before setting their sights on summer training for the 2024-25 season