YONEX rider who participated in the Beijing Olympics at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort Monster Pipe reported a triumphant return "Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics athlete demonstration sponsored by Minami Uonuma City"

At the Beijing Olympics, which was held earlier, YONEX sent four riders, Yuto Totsuka, Ruka Hirano, Sena Tomita, and Ruki, to the half-pipe competition.All of them advanced to the final, and Sena Tomita was the first girl to win a bronze medal in the history of the Japanese women's halfpipe.
With the start of snowboard manufacturing, YONEX has been actively training athletes, and athletes such as Shiho Nakashima and Ryo Aono have also been sent to the stage of the Olympic Games.At the same time, YONEX has been holding "RIDE ON! YONEX CUP" at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort for more than 20 years.After the heyday when half pipes were created around each slope, there is a Ganho monster pipe in Ishiuchi Maruyama, which is a valuable practice place for snowboarders who want to master the half pipes, even though it is currently on the decline. It has become.It can be said that the "RIDE ON YONEX CUP" that YONEX has done has definitely had a great influence on such parts.
In fact, Yuto Totsuka and Ruka Hirano have also participated in "RIDE ON!", And there is no doubt that they have grown up as the starting point of this event.
This time, the "Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games Participant Demonstration" will be held by Minami Uonuma City on Saturday, March 3, the day before the "RIDE ON YONEX CUP" is held.With a total construction cost of about 5 million yen on Ishiuchi Maruyama, a demonstration using the highest peak half pipe in Japan with a completed height of 1 m, a total length of 8 m, and complete nighter lighting will be included in the Japanese snowboarding scene. Riders who had a great influence (Yuto Totsuka, Ruka Hirano, Sena Tomita: Ruki Tomita could not participate) were gathered and a triumphant return report was made.

The event was hosted by Minami Uonuma City, where the Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is located.
The YONEX team includes Yuto Totsuka, Ruka Hirano, Sena Tomita, Ruki Tomita (absent from the event) and everyone who participated in the Beijing Olympics to the final.It was reported that Sena Tomita left a bronze medal, and each player commented on their thoughts.
There is also a valuable chance to get an autograph from the players who cheered in front of the TV
After the debriefing session, there was also a valuable place called a one-point lesson by Olympic athletes.

 

INTERVIEW
Yuto Totsuka (YUTO TOTSUKA)

Totsuka has won numerous tournaments over the last few years and was expected to receive medals in Beijing.She has also improved her ability with the goal of a gold medal and has accumulated achievements.However, in Beijing, the result was that he couldn't show his full potential on the final stage and left a regret. Connecting from 1-hit FS Double Cork 1440 to CAB Double Cork 1260 and Switch BS Double Cork 1080, I couldn't make cleanly even though I had the most difficult routine.What's in that chest?And how does he move from here?

> How are you feeling now after the Beijing Olympics?

"Of course, I have a lot of regrets, but I feel that I enjoyed the competition, and I think I had a lot of experiences on the stage of the Olympics, and I think that will lead to my own growth."

> How do you feel compared to Pyeongchang, which was the first Olympics?

"When I was in Pyeongchang, I was so nervous that I couldn't even see what I was doing. But this time I was able to stay calm. It's a feeling. "

> How was Totsuka-kun's own condition this year? After winning the DEW TOUR, I don't seem to be able to get a podium result.

"This year, I felt like I was trying a routine I had never done, or trying to make it even more difficult (such as entering from Switch BS Double Cork 1260 and connecting to CAB Double Cork 1440). I haven't been able to make a good decision and I haven't been able to produce any results, but since it's the result of a challenge, I don't feel that anything is negative. "

> Totsuka-kun decided to win the DEW TOUR, while Ayumu Hirano showed a triple cork.What was your impression at that time?

"I didn't expect to do a triple. So I think I'll do it at last. I felt like the era had begun. To be honest, I was scared. I have to take the risk there and move on. I say "

> How did you go from there to the Olympics?

"Of course, I devote myself to the practice of improving the accuracy of each technique, including the accuracy of triples."

> The first hit FS Dove Cork 1440 is extremely complete, isn't it?

"That's an easy win. I'm doing too much, so I don't make any mistakes."

> But in the Olympic final, it seems that the CAB Double Cork 1260 connected from there did not make up cleanly.

"The feeling pipe was open. I noticed when I skated in the public practice in the morning. I thought it was different, but I couldn't match it."

> Did you think of a routine that actually included triples?

"I was thinking of putting a triple at the last FS Double Cork 1260. It's more difficult at the end. It's difficult to hit a triple at the end unless I keep the speed and make the flow well by myself. That's why I thought that I could appeal to the judges. In my routine, I connect with a switch in the middle, so I have a choice of first or last, but I dared to decide to hit at the end and prepared. "

> Did you think that you wouldn't be able to get results at the Olympics unless you challenge something that is more difficult than ever?

"I knew that the level around me was getting higher and higher, and I had to do it to win."

> It seems that the attention to the style part is diminishing as the rotation speed and difficulty level increase.It's far from the desire to "polish your style and show a cool slide" before.What do you think about it?

"That's right. I think the more you rotate, the less cool it will be. But the current situation is that you can't win if you make it low. A section where you can show the style like a modified at the beginning like the US Open. It would be nice if there were 5 ordinary pipes, so I will do it because I can not win unless I have high rotation and high difficulty. I myself have a strong desire to ride with such a style. However, even in my routine, I want to put in CAB Double Cork 1260 and so on to give my own personality. "

> What are your thoughts on entering an era of even higher difficulty and heading towards it?

"I'm only scared, but I can't win if I don't do it, so I have to do it."

> How is the new board "REV"?

"Because I was in good shape from the beginning, I don't feel that the new one has changed a lot, but I feel that there is even better in the good points that I have had so far. I think that the repulsive force is very important, so that part is even better. "

> It is said that you also worked on the artwork for the board.

"I drew the middle part, and I had an artist finish the surroundings. I like to draw pictures in a simple way. I draw clothes, etc. This time, it's a cool design. I drew a wolf and a mountain in the center of the board. "

> Finally, what are your future goals?

"I haven't decided the triple in the game, so I want to decide. I want to improve the accuracy of the routine to connect with the switch, and I want to complete the routine I was trying this year. Also, CAB Double Cork 1260 is difficult in my skill. It's a skill, so I want to take good care of it. It's more difficult than the CAB1440.

The artwork for the new REV was drawn by Totsuka himself. "I drew my favorite mountain with a cool wolf."

INTERVIEW
Sena Tomita (SENA TOMITA)

After finishing 4nd in the USA Copper Mt., 1080rd in the Mammoth Mt.WC, and XNUMXth in the Swiss LAAX WC, Sena Tomita continues her strong performance with X-GAME wins and a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.The FSXNUMX, shown in her high routine and last hit, clearly shows her ability as the top of the world.
> I think you've achieved good results this season, but is there anything that you think is the most different from what you used to be?

"I've been told by many people that I'm confident in my slip, but this season I've been able to get good results gradually, and I'm feeling stable, calm, and in a good atmosphere. I think I'm able to face every match. "

> I think that the height of the air is also very high.

"Yes, I'm out. For four years after the Pyeongchang Olympics, weight training has been solid. I've been able to improve my physical aspect a lot. I think you can do it. "

> Looking back, in the first run of the X-GAME final, I fell down at the end, and I think there was a lot of damage.

"At that moment, I stopped breathing and it was a lot of pain. It hurt, my body was fluttering and there was a lot of damage, but I wanted to slip to the end."

> In the second one, you attacked firmly in the pain.

"I was scared because I thought I couldn't do what I wanted to do yet, but I attacked. At the end I wanted to put in FS1080. Actually, with LAAX's WC, the score does not increase to that extent. I felt frustrated, so I wanted to do it again and revenge. "

> Do you think that the results of the X-GAME helped you to prepare for the Beijing Olympics?

"That's right. I was confident in the technique part, and my feelings became stable. There was a part where I was a little scared of such a good condition, so I thought that I might hit a drumstick somewhere (laugh). But I've done it as it is. I haven't hit the drumstick yet (laughs). "

> Did the Beijing Olympics feel different than it did in Pyeongchang?

"Well, I think I wasn't as nervous about this Olympics as I was before."

> Did the mood and tension differ between X-GAMES and the Olympics?

"I think it was the same feeling, but I was injured at the venue in Beijing this time, so I was very scared from it."

> From the first run in Beijing, you attacked with the X-GAMES victory routine.

"I thought it would be over if I slipped three more in the final, so I attacked."

> Was it a plus that your sister (Ruki) was also on the stage of the same final?

"That's right. I felt a little better. I was happy that I was able to participate in the tournament where I said," I want to be with you forever. "

> Did you feel that you could make up from the first one and that would be enough?

"No, not at all. I thought that everyone would increase the difficulty level in the second run, and I also slipped with the thought of increasing the height and perfection of my own slip."

> Do you have any special training so that you can get that height yourself?

"There is nothing special about it. It's all about the upper and lower body in a well-balanced manner. I had been injured myself, so for example, if I dislocated my shoulder, I trained while rehabilitating my shoulder, and training reduces my injuries. I think I can do it. "

> The board (YONEX "SLEEK") has also taken on a new shape, and how are you doing?

"Originally I felt it was very easy to ride, but my feeling is that the new board feels lighter and it's in better shape. I've been doing not only halfpipes but also parks and jib for a long time, but everything One SLEEK. It's a board that can do anything and is in good condition.

> Even for girls, the difficulty level is getting higher.Do you feel scared of trying a technique when you are in a tournament in such an era?

"I still have a lot of scary feelings. That's why I'm doing the basics well and getting used to the technique little by little. When I try, I consult with my feelings and do it when the condition is good. I've been injured a lot. So I don't want to overdo it anymore, so I'm doing it carefully. "

> What about the feeling that you like the halfpipe itself?

"It's not just about pipes, but I think the tournament is fun. I like to ski more than that. I go skiing even on days when I don't practice. I came here with the feeling that I like snowboarding." I want to cherish that feeling forever. "

> What is the style of snowboarding that Mr. Tomita is aiming for?

"I've always liked masculine and cool skiing. I've been aiming for that, so I'm strong. In addition, I'm showing my style with a focus on grabs and grabs that are all different in my routine. I want to come. "

> Chloe Kim has turned 1260, but do you think Mr. Tomita will aim for that as well?

"For now, it's full of 1080p (laughs). But she was injured and couldn't skate for a year, so she came to the Olympics and came up with 1, which no one does. It's amazing. I respect you. "

> Now that the name is known to the world, what kind of snowboarder are you aiming for?

"I hope more people will be able to snowboard. I want to convey the appeal of snowboarding to many people in various ways."

> What was the biggest support for you to come this far?

"I've been supported by a lot of people, including my family, trainers, coaches, and manufacturers who support me. Anyway, I myself studied snowboarding at JWSC (All Japan Winter Sports College, where I met a lot of people." Even after graduating, I came while watching the training. I couldn't come this far by myself. I really appreciate the support from those around me. "


RIDE ON! YONEX CUP Halfpipe Tournament

Report by professional snowboarder Itaru Fujinuma, who served as MC for the "RIDE ON! YONEX CUP Halfpipe Tournament" held the day after this event.
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Hello, this is Toru Fujinuma, a professional snowboarder.
2022/03/06 I participated in the "RIDE ON! YONEX CUP Halfpipe Tournament" held at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort as an MC.
This event is a very historic event celebrating its 21st time, and is the final half-pipe tournament of the series following the previously held RIDE ON one-make tournament and RIDE ON technical tournament.
This season is a big event where the YONEX team's sign riders gather together, which is new to remember that the world was swirled around the world at the Beijing Olympics, Ruka Hirano, Yuto Totsuka, Sena Tomita, and the Japan team. Ryo Aono, the coach of the Japanese national team, who supported the march in the shadows, gathered together to represent Japan.

In addition to Olympians, Yorio Kuchizuka, who won the Takasu Super Pipe Classic in the professional race the other day, Yasutoshi Yamagata, who is active in various fields by utilizing the experience cultivated in the half pipe competition, can freely use not only boards but also snow-packed cars. Nobuo Otake, who has created a popular park on various slopes, is the only participating rider to ride on RIDE ON! It was gathered in Maruyama.

A test drive event will be held at the same time where you can test drive the next model of YONEX and FLUX, and a plan called Riders Battle will be held in which guest riders will also receive prize money.RIDE ON with lots of highlights as an event! With a lot of expectations that it would be a YONEX CUP ... Strong winds and strong snowfall with gusts blowing from the morning on that day.
By the time the public practice started, the judge tent was about to blow off, and in a hurry, two snow-packed cars were parked toward the half pipe, and the judges were Yamagata Pro, Aono Pro, Kuchizokuho Pro, and Head Judge Otake Pro. The four of them will judge from the driver's seat of the snow-packed car.

The wind is strong, but I think I can compete somehow!With that in mind, I, Toru Fujinuma & Teru Ando, ​​who will be the MCs on this day, will go on an icy MC next to the snow-packed car!Because I can't spread the materials I had prepared due to the snow
Next to the arrival, YONEX Snowboard Sales Department Deputy General Manager Nishimura always supports.He checked the start list and told me which player was starting and the information that the player wrote.
Since fresh snow always accumulates in the bottom, the players' boards are not fast and it is difficult for many players to let out air, but all the players have finished the first attempt, and the event is finally the riders Enter the first round of the battle.

The Riders Battle was a knockdown system in which YONEX riders faced each other one-on-one, the riders who broke up in the first and second attacks slipped one by one, and the judges nominated in a hurry from the audience decided the winner on the spot.
> Tomita Pro VS Aono Pro
Tomita, who was fascinated by clean grabs and air, won against Aono, who showed a smoky silver style with various lip tricks and TO fakies.
> Totsuka Pro VS Yamagata Pro
Totsuka Pro is fascinated by the fashionable tricks of Yamagata Pro, who has been fascinated by the fashionable movement from stylish grab tricks to front to front.However, due to the strong winds and the heavy snow that fell fiercely, the visibility inside the bottom was almost zero ... In the meantime, Totsuka Pro, who disappeared slightly, said, "I'm back in the air!" (Laughs) But!The winner is Totsuka Pro!
> Hirano Pro VS Mouth Cun Pro
While the board did not run at all due to the deep snow that had accumulated in the bottom, both of them showed a slippery slide in response to the cheers of the audience, and it was the winner of the Takasu Pro match that won in a situation where it would not be strange which one won. This is also a pro who is in great shape!

With this, the general participants & YONEX riders, all the participants scheduled to run on this day have finished one run and rushed to the second one!Several players tried the second attempt, but the tournament was temporarily suspended as the situation where the inside of the bottom was completely invisible from the judge's seat continued for a long time.A waiting time of about 21 minutes was set, but the situation did not improve and it was difficult to continue the event as planned.Here is the XNUMXst RIDE ON! The YONEX CUP competition has ended.
At the award ceremony, Chairman Yoneyama of YONEX Co., Ltd. was also present, and the three Olympians who served as presenters at the award ceremony presented luxurious products to the winners.
It was very impressive that the guest riders were surrounded by many kids riders on that day and were smiling and taking pictures.
At the end of the event, the white and crunchy frozen beanie of Teru Ando told us about the intense weather of the day, but everything except the weather was wonderful, peaceful and calm, and it was an event where all the participants could smile. I did.
I'm sure this wonderful event will continue and will be an event that will produce wonderful riders like the currently shining YONEX riders.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort Monster Pipe in Minami Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, made with a total construction cost of about 1 million yen.The official specifications are height 8m, length 6.7m, width 160m, slope 21 ° and international standard half pipe. RIDE ON! Is an event that YONEX has been doing here for a long time.This is the 18.5st event.The photo shows the 21th day before the event.