Mastro Makes Third Consecutive Podium Appearance at Copper

U.S. Snowboard Pro Team member Maddie Mastro landed her third-consecutive podium appearance at Copper Mountain, Colo., Saturday at the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix. She persevered through difficult weather conditions, which hindered speed in the beautifully built 22-foot superpipe. 

“It’s always nice being back here it Copper,” said Maddie. “The pipe is always dialed. Today the weather was challenging, but somehow when I compete at Copper, I find a way to put everything together. I’m stoked to be on the podium."

Prior to Maddie’s final run, there was a surge of high winds complete with the heaviest snowfall of the day. It was almost as if mother nature was sending a message reminding everyone in the venue that snowboarding is an outdoor sport.

“Watching the wind and snow roll in at the most inopportune time possible was definitely a lot to handle,” she commented. “I just tried my best to stay in the right mindset, so when the weather did clear I could do my best to put down a run. I had a run that I wanted to put down, but mother nature was a little angry at me.”

Unfortunately, the fresh snow in the pipe accumulated to the point where speed was difficult to find, so Maddie’s run and the remaining men’s runs were conservative.

Queralt Castellet of Spain topped the podium and Jiayu Liu of China finished in second.

For the men, Toby Miller was the top finisher for the U.S. Snowboard Team, locking down fourth place. Toby put down a technical first run with great amplitude. Although Toby was third after run one, he would be bumped off the podium and unable to climb his way back with deteriorating weather conditions.

“Today was a great,” Toby said, remaining positive despite a difficult day of competition. “The weather was definitely a big challenge in today’s final. Everyone out there rode like true champions and proved how good of snowboarders they truly are. I am very proud to have landed my first run and end up in fourth place. I’m looking forward to the rest of the up and coming season. Congratulations to Scotty, Yuto, and Ruka."

Australian Scotty James continued his streak of perfection after winning every competition he entered last season. Japanese riders Yuto Totsuka and Ruka Hirano finished second and third respectively.

TRICK LIST
Men

1. Scotty James (AUS) - Frontside double 1080 Stale, cab 900 melon, switch backside double 1080 Indy, backside 1260 Mute, Frontside double 1260 Stale.

2. Yuto Totsuka (JPN) - Frontside double 1440 Indy, cab 1080 Nose, frontside double 1260 Indy, backside 900 Mute, frontside 1080 Tail. 

3. Ruka Hirano (JPN) - Frontside 900 Tail, backside 900 Mute, frontside double 1080 Indy, cab double 1080 Truck Driver, frontside 1260 Tail.

Women

1. Queralt Castellet (ESP) - Backside Air, front 900 Lien, backside 540 Mute, frontside 360 Indy, cab 720.

2. Jiayu Liu (CHN) - Switch backside air, Haakon 720 Mute, frontside 540 Stale, backside 540 Mute, frontside 620 Lien.

3. Maddie Mastro (USA) - Backside air, Crippler 540 Indy, backside 540 Mute, frontside 720 Indy, Haakon 720 Stale, frontside 540 Melon. 

RESULTS
Men’s snowboard halfpipe
Women’s Snowboard halfpipe

Post Event Press Conference - Video