The Gatorade Free Flow Tour Finals kicked off Friday afternoon in Snowbasin, culminating a season of hard work and anticipation for a select group of amateur skiers. Taking to the same slopestyle course that the Winter Dew Tour riders have been riding on this week, the 9 qualified riders came out charging, looking to put it all in the line so that they could call themselves champions and win that spot in the Winter Dew Tour next year.
Park City’s Andy Partridge ended up stealing the show on this day. Finding himself in 3rd behind Sam Viseur and Max Szekely after the first set of runs, the 15-year-old skier showed veteran-like poise. Partridge, the youngest competitor in the field, dialed things up a notch for his 2nd run, throwing a run worthy of a big score.
First taking to the rail section of the slopestyle course, Partridge went 270 onto the down-rail, followed by a frontside switch-up to backside 270 on the up-down rail. He capped off the upper section by spinning a 270 off the cannon rail. Moving on the jumps section, Partridge excelled there, landing a right 900 and then finishing off with a big switch 1080. As soon as the switch 10 on the last hit was stomped, everyone knew that the lead would be changing hands.
“The course was really good,” an excited Partridge said after the contest. “I’m stoked it was on the Dew Tour course. It was a lot of fun.”
Partridge would hold on for the remainder of the competition, as his 87.25 score was never truly challenged. Despite falls on their 2nd runs, Viseur and Szekely would hold on to the 2nd and 3rd spots respectively, putting them both on the podium.
Perhaps providing a bit of an edge, Partridge didn’t have to travel very far for this one. The Park City native competed locally at Brighton last weekend, earning his spot in Finals with a slopestyle win there. Just a few days later, he found himself making the drive to Snowbasin with his family in-tow. It was obvious that having his family in attendance made the win even more special for Partridge.
With this victory, Partridge has secured himself a spot in next year’s Winter Dew Tour. Looking ahead to the enormous opportunity awaiting him, Partridge said “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile, and I’m really stoked that I get to do it now.”
2012 Freeski Slopestyle Results
1. Andy Partridge, 87.25
2. Sam Viseur, 82.25
3. Max Szekely, 80.0
4. Ian Hamilton, 79.0
5. Noah Wallace, 70.50
6. Taylor King, 63.75
7. Max Heard, 54.25
8. Will Hibbs, 26.25
9. Tyler Duncan, 23.25
Andy Partridge
Sam Viseur
Max Szekely
Ian Hamilton
Noah Wallace
Taylor King
Max Heard
Will Hibbs
Tyler Duncan
