OWI Head snowboard coach Ben Wordsworth reports from the Colorado resort of Breckenridge on the training progress of our halfpipe and snowboard cross riders as they prepare for the US Grand Prix halfpipe in Copper Mountain next weekend, and the opening snowboard cross World Cup of the season in Arosa, Switzerland, on December 20:

The snowboard team has been in Colorado training now for the past two weeks. Both halfpipe and snowboard cross athletes are enjoying the early season snow and training in preparation for their upcoming events.

Holly Crawford and Nathan Johnstone had an ideal start to their northern winter camp with seven days of freeriding, getting back into the groove on their snowboards. The pipe was not finished on our arrival, which made the groomers and freeriding very attractive. This was and ideal way to get some carving and skill development in prior to pipe riding, which was a huge advantage once the pipe opened.

As we moved into specific training in the HP a week ago, it has been nothing but positive, and some of the best early season training that we have had. The pipe is in perfect condition and most of the national teams are here training, which is great for our guys as they can mix it with the best in the world.

Holly Crawford has been getting back her tricks and rhythm in the pipe with some very impressive riding and progress into her competition run. She is in a good mindset and on track for her first event back since the New Zealand World Cup in September.
Nathan Johnstone has been progressing well, putting down some solid runs that will set him up for next week’s qualifying and finals in the event.

Both Holly and Nathan are keeping it simple and doing what comes to them naturally, which will put them in a great place for a long competitive season ahead.

Snowboard cross riders Damon Hayler and Alex Pullin arrived in town five days ago where they have started their preparations for the start of the season.

Both SBX athletes are healthy and have been putting some solid days in on the hill getting their legs back and working on some fundamental skills. Next week we will progress into some start-gate training and really start to focus on the first event in Arosa.

The start to the 2008/2009 season has been exceptional; all the athletes are in top condition and looking forward to a solid season of riding and competing.

Stay tuned for updates in the US Grand Prix for HP and Arosa World Cup for SBX.