Bertoni, Rice Among Gold Medalists in Day One of Winter X 13
January 23, 2009 – 3:11 am PT by GregTags: Simon Dumont, Tanner Hall, Winter X Games 13, Xavier Bertoni —
Xavier Bertoni | cr. Zach Ornitz/Shazamm/ESPN Images
The first full day of action has taken place at Winter X 13 and the first three gold medals have been given out. In the Men’s Skiing Superpipe finals Xavier Bertoni of France was a surprise winner (93.66) over Tanner Hall (92.00) and Simon Dumont (91.00). Top qualifier Hall gave it his best in his third out of three runs, but Bertoni held on for the win. The three were head and shoulders above the rest of the field, with Justin Dorey the only other skiier to score in the 80s.
“Dude you just won the X Games,” Hall yelled after seeing his score, congratulating Bertoni and celebrating with him. Dumont took part in the fun as well while Bertoni, who hardly speaks any English, appeared stunned.
Bertoni was the first Frenchman to win gold in the event since 2003 when Candide Thovex took the top spot.
Later on Thursday the Snowboard Big Air Final took place and Travis Rice was the winner thanks to a viewer vote. Only the gold is handed out in that event. Last year’s winner, Torstein Horgmo, was second.
The first medal of the day was handed out for Snowmobile Speed & Style. Joe Parsons, one day after his 21st birthday, took the gold over last year’s winner Levi LaVallee (87.30 to 83.00). Cory Davis won bronze.
Full results for the Skiing SuperPipe and Snowboard Big Air below.
Men’s Skiing SuperPipe Finals
Winter X Games 13 - 1/22/2009 - Aspen, CO
1. Xavier Bertoni / 93.66 / Bib 333 / La Clusaz, France
2. Tanner Hall / 92.00 / Bib 305 / Kalispell, Mont.
3. Simon Dumont / 91.00/ Bib 303/ Bethel, Maine
4. Justin Dorey / 83.33 / Bib 334 / Vernon, BC, Canada
5. Colby West / 79.33 / Bib 325 / Breckenridge, Colo.
6. Duncan Adams / 74.66 / Bib 332 / Breckenridge, Colo.
7. AJ Kemppainen / 72.33 / Bib 338 / Kuusamo, Finland
8. Kevin Rolland / 50.00 / Bib 348 / La Plagne, France
Snowboard Big Air Final
Winter X Games 13 - 1/22/2009 - Aspen, CO
1. Travis Rice*
2. Torstein Horgmo
3. Mikkel Bang - tie
3. Andreas Wiig - tie
* Only gold medal awarded in this
