Chas Guldemond New TTR Leader After Stylewars

Falls Creek Resort, Australia – 25th August, 2008: The 4Star Oakley Stylewars did not only push snowboarding to another level but also had a major impact on the 08/09 Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour Rankings with tour veterans, young guns, and south-hemi up and comers all throwing down enormous maneuvers, staking their claims for the title early on. Chas Guldemond (USA), who recently lost the Tour Lead in New Zealand, took back the World No. 1 spot, followed closely by the two Kiwi rivals James Hamilton (NZE) in World No. 2 and Stef Zeestraten (NZE) in World No. 3.

Chas Guldemond

The final day of snowboarding at Stylewars was held under perfect Australian skies without a breath of wind. The riding standard was beyond ridiculous, the course was softening in the hot sun and tricks were getting thrown that have never before been seen on snow down under.

Leading the charge was a man on a mission, last year’s grand master Torstein Horgmo (NOR), who was sending massive smooth tricks with rarely a hand out of place. He took out best trick with an insane switch backside 1260 melon deep into the landing of the first jump and climbed 22 positions up the Swatch TTR rankings into World No. 30.

The overall winner of the event was Canadian rider, Charles Reid, who dominated for the entire three days of the grueling event. With his victory and 500 Swatch TTR ranking points, Charles moves up 9 ranks to World No. 7. A slew of 1080’s, rodeos and consistent style had him pushing out fellow Canadian Matts Kulisek for the win. In the end, Kulisek finished 3rd behind Horgmo.

Charles Reid

After knocking himself out heavily in at the Burton New Zealand Open, Chas Guldemond flew into Stylewars at the last minute to compete and take 5th overall which was enough to regain the Tour Lead.

“It’s only the second comp of the year so I’m sure Charles Reid will be biting at my heals after this contest… I wanted to come in to Stylewars and check out the contest, slow it all down a bit and enjoy the contest and focus on my style. I’m going to take this as a good base for practice for the start of the season.”

In the coveted Bledisnow Cup competition between Australian and New Zealand, the Australian team stood strong today with incredible riding from Ryan Tiene, Robbie Walker, the Allan brothers and 15 year old Jye Kearney who was whiskers away from stomping 90-foot frontside 1080 tails. One to look out for from Down Under.

For more information and video coverage from the 4Star Oakley Stylewars check out www.ttrworldtour.com or www.stylewars.com.au and stay tuned as the 5Star Burton Australian Open is up ahead from 1st – 5th September, 2008 in Perisher Blue, Australia.