Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort in Gunma Prefecture, which was blessed with beautiful sunny weather for two days, 3/3 (Sat) and 4 (Sun).TENJIN BANKED SLALOM 2 was held in this field.From this year, the entry format for general participation has been changed to a lottery instead of a first-come-first-served basis, and enthusiasts who have won the prize and gathered from all over the country.In addition, he is a strong man who has won the standard banking tournaments held all over the country.And 2018 people, including local and domestic and foreign professional riders, gathered, the largest number ever.
In this report article, I would like to tell you about the appeal of this tournament and Banked Slalom along with five themes.
The real thrill of banked slalom
First of all, I would like to touch on the concept of this tournament.Banked slalom is a competition for time trials using a dozen bank courses that take advantage of the terrain.It's a simple thing that slides down from the start to the goal without going off the course, and anyone can enjoy it as long as they can slide.Classes are divided into categories from children to adults, and everyone can enjoy it regardless of the age and level of the participants.
People who have participated in Banked tournaments know the real thrill of it, but it's difficult because it's simple.The one from the start to the goal visibly reflects how you slipped in one season.It is quite profound as the total gliding ability that you have to keep stepping on the bank to the limit of your foot and exit the bank without killing speed is tested.That's why how much did you face that one slip?It's interesting because the reality is reflected in the time.Depending on the results, even adults and professional riders will still have challenges, and of course kids will be seriously disappointed.If you can attack and finish the slide safely, you can enjoy the indescribable freshness.
Bank course that changes every year
The course distance this time was set shorter than last year, but I got the impression that it became technical.Some people suddenly DQ (off course / disqualified) from the second bank because they can speed up immediately after the start.There are many people who struggle in the 2th and 4th banks after passing through.In particular, there were many people who missed the edge on the heel side turn of regular stance.
After that, you can attack with a comfortable slope and a feeling of a bank, but if you speed up too much with a long flat in the second half, many people will be caught in a slightly shallow bank with a sharp curve. did.Before I skate, I see other people's skate and imagine, "Let's go carefully in this section in the second half!" There are many cases.I was also caught here.
Not exactly the same course is completed every year, and the terrain of the bank changes over time.Depending on the temperature, the burn may be icy or the snow may be shabby, and the running condition of the board will always change, so it is interesting to match the conditions at the time of slipping.It can be said that the charm of this banked slalom is that it is packed with the real thrill of free riding.
A figure to enjoy with two generations of parents and children
What impressed me at this tournament was that the tournament style, which can be enjoyed by two generations of parents and children, was more pervasive.As I've felt for a few years, kids have grown over the last few years, and Junior in 2th grade and under and Grommet classes in 6th grade and under have become more exciting than ever.Parents and children made entries, and parents seriously supported the child's slipping at the course, and there were also parents who ran side by side from the top to the bottom and recorded in the video.Of course, the veterans who are parents of the children also saw a wonderful slip of silver to show their slip to the children.
In this way, there are dramas in each category, regardless of whether they are children, adults, the general public, or professionals.That is why each generation gets excited and the fun is inherited.This culture was also a tournament that I felt was very important in the Japanese snowboarding scene.
The key players behind the tournament
And above all, thanks to the staff who created this course for a few days.Without them, the course cannot be held and the tournament cannot be held.Even during the race, when the bank became rough, he always kept the best bank, such as maintaining the bank with a shaper and a shovel.In addition, this tournament is made possible with the support of many people such as time measurement, reception, MC, safety prayer, brand booth, etc.
Every year, the organizer, Daizo Fukushima, talks about the concept of "banked slalom made by everyone!", Which is created by the staff who support behind the scenes, the brand booth that excites the venue, the ski resort, and all the participants. It shows that it has been done. After the race on the second day, it was refreshing to see all the digger sliding down the course at the very end.
Banked tournaments held all over the country are still going on
Banked slalom competitions will be held all over the country for the rest of the season this season.Each tournament has a different concept, so if you have the right timing, why not try various tournaments?There is also a standard tournament where the top prize winners can get a ticket to participate in next year's TENJIN BANKED SLALOM 2019.
I'm still honing my slip, and next year I'll definitely head to Tenjindaira, the headquarter of Banked.
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