The Vail Session: Pro Dictions
Jan 15 2007 / Vail, COThe Vail Session’s heavy weights weigh in on the absence of the defending champ
Year after year, the level of riding and the courses have changed for the better at the Vail Session. But one thing hasn’t changed: the champion. Shaun White has won the slopestyle event since he started showing up at the event, and last year, he took the rail title too. After his super hectic season last year though, Shaun has decided to limit the number of competitions he’s doing, opting mainly for big, televised events where he will be able to connect with the most fans. Even though the Session brings in some serious heavy weights, and it known as being one of the best contests of the year, Shaun has opted to spend his time filming, riding and relaxing. After last year, when Shaun won not only the Session, but everything else, the other riders may have started to feel like it was a race for second. But now, with Shaun missing, and slopestyle heavyweight Travis Rice also opting to skip the event, the field is open. We caught up with some of the top riders in Vail to get their take on what that all means.
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Zach Leach (pictured) Why isn’t he coming? Is he scared? No, I didn’t think (Shaun) would win again anyway. I think Danny Davis, Mason Aguirre, the younger guys are really charging and dominating. I just saw Shaun yesterday though, my Shaun level is complete. I’ll still miss him.
It means that Andreas will win, which is awesome. Unless it’s possible that Shaun White can win not being here.
JJ Thomas (pictured) I don’t blame (Shaun) for not coming. I don’t know if I would. He’s won it every year since he started coming here. If he doesn’t want to come chuck himself he should. If he’s not really into it he’ll probably lose his title. I like watching him compete, but there’s lots of good jumpers here. It’s all good.
Now-a-days there’s about 15 guys that are at the same level, it just comes down to style now. Those guys are just some of the 15. They’re definitely on the top, but it’s still gonna be a good comp. It’s cool not to see them here because its just two less guys to worry about.
Dustin Craven
It makes the airs smaller, air in general. It’s not really a competition when they’re here. Of course, Shaun will probably still win.
Mason Aguirre (pictured) I think it effects the competition because when Shaun shows up everyone’s just sure he’s gonna win. But when he doesn’t show up there’s a lot of good riders and we’re all on the same level so it’s anyone’s game. It really shakes up the top three. It really could be anyone.
Yeah, its changes things, but there are still a lot of good guys here – Rham Klampert, Andreas Wiig, David Benedek. I’m kind of bummed that they’re not here, but its definitely nice too!
Andreas Wiig (pictured) I rather compete with Shaun so I know I have the best competition. Also, he’s fun to ride with.
Not good, not good at all. Wish they were here, it would be real fun battling. I’m bummed, I was personally waiting to see Shaun here. Me and him were going to play a little two step
It’s definitely opened it up a bit more, even though Andreas is still in it. But it definitely gives me a little more support. I don’t have to do any double corks. It will be fun though. It’s kind of better if they’re not in it, but there’s still tons of good riders so we’ll see what happens.
Danny Kass (pictured) I think people are a little upset. Shaun’s trying to hold on to that title not coming back, I think I am going to try and pull their card and not do it either.
- See photos of Danny Kass>
It definitely gives another chance for all the other rider to make top 3. I know my buddy andreas is here and he’s always wanted to get first place, and I think he’s gonna take it. I’m just gonna say it right now, he’s killing it, he’s been riding at Keystone the past month so that’s who’s gonna win. I don’t really get to compete against those guy buts they deftinitely make the level of riding at the contest higher.
