Banked slalom, which has become popular in recent years, is a simple and clear time race where everyone can compete on the same stage.“M & M Banked Slalom”, which was held for the 7th time in this tournament, is a valuable tournament in which the winner of the PRO class is given the right to participate in “Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom”, the ancestor of Banked Slalom.Despite this, the atmosphere that surrounds the site is FUN, and it is characterized by an atmosphere that makes it easy for general participants to participate.This year, we will report on the day of the tournament, which was held in a new attempt to be held for the first two days.
More than 1 entries on the first day
On Saturday, March 3, when the event was sunny, a total of more than 25 people, from adults to children, participated in the venue, Kawaba Ski Resort, Gunma Prefecture.The opening ceremony, waiting for the lift, and the inspection line are full of people.I once again felt the popularity of Banked Slalom.
After finishing the inspection of each person, it's finally time for the production.Rhythmic banks that are a little tight continue at the beginning of the course, and wide banks that can make comfortable turns appear in the second half.In order to aim for the fastest in this course, we will start in the order of Pro Master Class, Grand Master, RPO Ladies, PRO Men, AMA Ladies, AMA Master Ladies, AMA Master Men, AMA Men.Next to the line, the racers waiting for their turn wax the wax, and they are busy preparing for the actual performance.There is also a serviceman on the side of the start, so it's full-scale.
The PRO class, where each class enjoys their own battle and is entitled to participate in the Legendary Banked Slalom, is especially incandescent. PRO Men won second place last year, Kohei Motoki, and PRO Ladies won second place at Snowboard cross in the second round of the PSA ASIA tour on 1/8, Rina Tanaka.
The second day is a tournament for kids
The second day starts in the deep snow. About 2 kids up to 15 years old gathered, and the youngest is 70 years old.The tournament course is the same as the first day even if you are small in age and body.He boldly attacked the bank with a small body.
There are 6 classes, U9, U12, U15 and U4. Only U6 is allowed to chase, and there is also a parent who slides while supporting the back of the child who slides hard, and the atmosphere that parents and children are participating in the tournament together was impressive.
Riding skills improved as U9, U12, and U15 continued, and some of the players participated in the general class the day before, and the venue was excited by the slipping that was as good as an adult.
What surprised me at the kids competition was the speed of growth. The player who was slipping on the first run is definitely getting better on the second run!It was also a tournament where I felt the flexibility and speed of absorption of kids.
The winners of U15 were Seigo Sato, who was mixed with adults the day before and won 3rd place in AMA Men, and Yuka Matsuzawa, who won 2nd place in the SNOW ANGEL CUP JUMP category.
Click here for other results
What I strongly felt throughout the two days was that all the participants shared the joy of “sliding”.And the time has come when parents and children can participate in the same tournament.We will pass on the fun of laughing together to the next generation regardless of whether we win or lose.It was two days when I was convinced that the day would come when I would play together with three generations of parents and children like surfing.
Next year's FREERUN magazine will also feature "M & M Banked Slalom", so stay tuned!
