Stevenson First, Forehand Second at Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Slopestyle
The U.S. Freeski Team dominated in the slopestyle finals on Saturday with Colby Stevenson taking the victory and Mac Forehand claiming second at the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo.
The Grand Prix 25th Anniversary served as the first Olympic tryout event for Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. With sunshine and spring conditions on full display, U.S. athletes battled it out to get one step closer to the U.S. Snowboard Olympic Team.
Two-time X Games Gold Medalist Colby Stevenson led the men throughout the day putting down his first and third runs. On his first run, Stevenson ran with a solid rail section including a right 270 to right 630 and back-to-back double corks into the finish. Stevenson improved on his third run with an aggressive rails section and massive third air. “To get the win and get one step closer to the Olympics, which obviously is one of my goals, is amazing,” said Stevenson. “So I am stoked.”
U.S. Freeski Team member Mac Forehand showed his perseverance while competing at the Grand Prix, continuing his momentum from a fourth-place finish at the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships last week. Forehand landed his first run complete with a strong rail section and a double cork 1440 Tail to Japan grab to close it out. His score held throughout the entire event to secure a spot on the podium.
“I am super happy. I had a pretty bad practice because I couldn’t put my run down,” said Forehand. “Just to be able to get up there, focus, and put my first run down took a lot of weight off my shoulders. Colby is just the king. He’s on top killing it every single year, so huge congrats to him.”
Sweden’s Henrik Harlaut found redemption following a difficult week at the World Championships, earning third place to round out the podium.
Alex Hall, who claimed bronze at World Championships last week, also fought to the finish among a steep field of talent, ending the day in fifth place. Hall showcased consistent skiing throughout his three runs, including a stylish nose-butter in the rails and a double cork 1620 double seatbelt grab on the final air. Teammate Cody LaPlante finished the day in seventh.
Two-time Olympian and U.S. Freeski Team member Maggie Voisin, who just returned to competition after her second ACL surgery in two years, put on an impressive performance, finishing in a respectable fifth place. She put down runs full of effortless style including her signature rodeo on the final air.
“More than anything, I am grateful to be back skiing,” said Voisin. “Having knee surgery in August and back-to-back knee surgeries the past few years has mentally been really tough. So I’ve worked really hard! All these girls out here are inspiring me to push myself. This is what I love to do and I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
France’s Tess Ledeux took first, Great Britain's Kristy Muir second, and Russia’s Anastasia Tatalina earned third. U.S. Freeski Rookie Team members Marin Hamil and Rell Harwood finished in sixth and seventh respectively.
Tomorrow concludes the competition at the 25th Anniversary of the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix with freeski and snowboard halfpipe finals.
RESULTS
Men’s Freeski Slopestyle
Women’s Freeski Slopestyle
HOW TO WATCH
All times EST
Sunday, March 21
11:30 a.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock
Monday, March 22
3:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
5:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
Tuesday, March 23
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
4:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
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Instagram - @usfreeskiteam
Facebook - @usskiandsnowboard
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