Kirkwood, CA – 2011 – With a storm rolling in, making the day a one-run competition, last year’s men’s overall tour winner Aaron Robinson was determined, and succeeded in taking home not only the win at Kirkwood but the overall title for a second year in a row. Iris Lazzareschi scored first for the women at Kirkwood, but was one point short of the overall crown with Maria DeBari taking top honors.
“Year after year, the riders just keep getting better,” said Head Judge Tom Burt. “The competitiveness of the tour is off the charts. With the top two women being separated by only one point, and the overall winner for both men and women being anyone’s game until the very end, it made for an exciting end to a great year.”
Aaron Robinson was fast and fluid, and hit a natural feature in the middle of the venue for a big, floaty air. Robinson hit a spine at the bottom and threw a big frontside 360 finishing with a 91.33. He was followed in second place by Squaw Valley’s Ralph Backstrom with an 89.33, who was also second in overall tour points. Third place in the competition went to Andrew Irwin with an 87.00. Amplid rider John Rodosky took 4th and missed by podium only by a few points.
The North Face Young Gun Award, which rewards rider under 25 years of age who demonstrate raw talent and innovation in their riding style, went to Callen Chythlook-Sifsof, and the overall tour Young Gun Award went to Josh Warnick, who took it home at the first stop of the season in Snowbird.