Marino Wins Laax Open
U.S. Snowboard Pro Team member Julia Marino topped the podium at the 2020 Laax Open in Switzerland at the first of five FIS Snowboard slopestyle World Cups set to take place over the remainder of the season.
“It feels so good just to break what feels like the ‘just outside of the podium curse’ here in Laax,” said a very relieved Julia. “It’s been so fun. The course and the weather have been amazing. I don’t think I have ever had so much fun at slope contest.”
After finishing fourth two years in a row, Julia put down a beautiful first run that would hold for the top spot. Slopestyle and Big Air Pro Team Head Coach Dave Reynolds was extremely happy about Julia’s performance.
“Julia has been riding better than ever,” said Dave. “She is focussed and has the best attitude. I can’t wait to see what’s next. She learned the back 900 in our Park City Camp just before this event and it’s awesome to see her put it down in her winning run.”
For the men, 2018 Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard, and Judd Henkes earned second and third respectively.
“What a crazy first event,” said Red. “Having the first major slopestyle event of year be in mid-January is much different. The entire crew was fully dialed and riding at the highest level. I’m stoked I could put one down to land on the podium and I look forward to X Games next week.”
Red was able to land a new trick in his run with the switch backside triple cork 1440 as part of his highest-scoring first run. In addition, Judd earned his second World Cup podium with two 1440s and proved he will likely be no stranger to the podium this season.
The vibe between the whole U.S. Snowboard Team was incredibly supportive and positive throughout the entire Laax Open slopestyle program. Combined, the nine U.S. riders competing in finals put on a show for the Swiss crowd.
Catch the full slopestyle show on NBCSN at 8 p.m. EST Friday. Competition in Laax will continue Saturday with halfpipe finals.
RESULTS
Men’s snowboard slopestyle
Women’s snowboard slopestyle
HOW TO WATCH
Subject to change
All times EST
*Same-day delayed broadcast
SNOWBOARD
Friday, Jan. 17
8:00 p.m. - FIS Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup - Laax, Switzerland - NBCSN-TV
Saturday, Jan. 18
11:30 a.m. - FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup - Laax, Switzerland - Olympic Channel-TV and NBC Sports Gold
Red Gerard (left), Sebastian Toutant (center), and Judd Henkes (right) on the podium at the 2020 Laax Open slopestyle finals. (U.S. Ski & Snowboard - Dave Reynolds)
Reira Iwabuchi (left), Julia Marino (center), and Katie Omerod (right) on the podium at the 2020 Laax Open slopestyle finals. (U.S. Ski & Snowboard - Dave Reynolds)
