June 17/08 9:34 am - Whistler Mountain Bike Park: Boneyard Air Affair

Posted by Editoress on 06/17/08
 

Whistler Mountain Bike Park's Inaugural BONEYARD Air Affair Title Goes To Casey Groves

Sixteen-year-old Kelowna native wins qualifying spot for Kokanee Crankworx, August 9-17

Casey Groves, a sixteen year old from Kelowna, BC who has spent the last three summers watching Kokanee Crankworx from the sidelines, will get his chance to drop in with the pros this August. After winning the inaugural Boneyard Air Affair in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Groves has secured one of three remaining spots for the VW Trick Showdown and the Monster Energy Slopestyle taking place at Kokanee Crankworx on August 14 and August 16 respectively.

“Everything came together for me out there,” says Groves, shaking with excitement after discovering that he won the coveted invite to Kokanee Crankworx’s Monster Energy Slopestyle. “I went out there and did a 360 over the road gap and had a really solid run.”

The finals featured eight riders, four of which came up from the Junior (16-18 year old) category. The level of riding from the Junior category rivalled the Open category. Events like the Boneyard Air Affair allow younger and lesser known riders to get the exposure and experience they need to compete in events like the Monster Energy Slopestyle at Kokanee Crankworx.

“This event is a great opportunity for kids who aren’t on the circuit to get out there and establish their names as riders,” says Colin Duncan, head judge. “What I noticed right away about this event was the spirit of camaraderie. Locals were giving tips about each obstacle to visiting athletes, and everyone was helping each other out.”

The event took place in Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s famous Boneyard slopestyle course, designed by professional mountain biker John Cowan. The Boneyard will be used for the Monster Energy Slopestyle at Kokanee Crankworx, August 16. Groves earned his spot in the competition and will join Sam Pilgrim of Colchester, England who was awarded entry for his overall performance at the Qashqai Challenge in London, England. Three remaining spots will be determined at Crankworx Colorado, one of which opened up due to an injury of a previously invited rider.

Boneyead Air Affair Finals

1. Casey Grove
2. Kelly McGarry
3. Graham Agassiz

Men Open
1. Ross McMaster
2. Mitch Chubey
3. Jordie Lunn

Women Open
1. Stephanie Nychka

Junior
1. Casey Groves
2. Logan Peat
3. Ben Glassen

Grom (13-15 yrs)
1. Brennan Walstrom
2. Colin Westeindre
3. Jess D. Findlay

After a mandatory assessment on Saturday, 47 riders competed in Sunday’s event.