PR: Swatch Boardercross World Tour Qualifying from Mt. Snow, Vt.
(March 7, 1998)

Mount Snow, Vermont, March 6 With official results just in, Europe’s top riders dominated the men’s qualifying trials for tomorrow’s Swatch Boarder-X competition at Mount Snow, making it an especially competitive race for American contenders Jason Brown, Mark Schulz and Ryan Neptune. The women’s race is also likely to be the toughest fight for the finish so far as Nillard Pilavakis, Marguerite Cossettini and Pepi Ahonen face off for the first time since their big showdown at the last Vans World Championship.

ESPN2’s Kris Jamieson commented, The Americans in the top 20 are all soft boot riders, which usually gives them an edge in a tight group like a boardercross race, but the Europeans (who are mainly hard boot riders) are very adept in the icy conditions. This one will come down to individual skill and speed control.

Making an impressive showing against an array of world class competitors were Melissa Nicholson, Tristan Herbert and Elia Hamilton all members of the Mount Snow Ride On! Team. Another local boarder, Theadore Rauh, qualified 34th and will take a shot at the $35,000 cash purse.

Jason Brown, who placed first at the Bear Mountain, California, event came in just ahead of Italy’s Fabrizio Bonacina, Copper Mountain’s winner. Each will be looking for a second North American win as they battle riders from more than 12 countries, including Bertrand Denervaud, the Olympic boarder from Switzerland. Marguerite Cossettini (Australia) has been the boarder to beat in the women’s competitions, taking first in both previous U.S. stops. However, this time, one of boardercross’ toughest female athletes, Pepi Ahonen (Finland) will added to the mix and Nillard Pilavakis, female world champion and a native New Englander, is on her home snow.

The action begins tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Mount Snow marks the last U.S. stop of the Swatch Boarder-X World Tour Presented by Airwalk. The next event will take place in Laax, Switzerland. The tour airs on ESPN2 and a special behind-the-scenes look will appear on Fox’s Board Wild. The Swatch Boarder-X World Tour Presented by Airwalk is sanctioned by the International Snowboard Federation (ISF) and is sponsored by Swatch, Airwalk and ONeill.

Men’s Top 10 Qualifiers In Order:
1. Bertrand Denervaud (SUI), 51.95
2. Davide Marciandi (ITA), 52.64
3. Tor Bruserud (NOR), 52.78
4. Philippe Conte (FRA), 53.12
5. Pontus Staahlkloo (SWE), 53.35
6. Jason Brown (USA), 53.35
7. Fabrizio Bonacina (ITA), 54.08
8. Laurent Besse (FRA), 54.11
9. Michael Toelderer (AUT), 54.43
10. Alexis Chretien (FRA), 54.72

Women’s Top 10 Qualifiers In Order:
1. Nici Pederzolli (AUT), 60.88
2. Ine Poetzl (AUT),62.60
3. Marguerite Cossettini (AUS), 62.73
4. Pepi Ahonen (FIN),63.27
5. Maria Pfurtshellr (AUT),63.92
6. Claire Gastaud (FRA), 65.48
7. Mayumi Fukuda (CAN) 65.95
8. Nillard Pilavakis (USA), 68.29
9. Christina Krieg (USA), 70.30
10. Brittney Mahanna (USA), 70.43