2009 Killington Grand Prix Results

Michael Goldschmidt on his way to 1st.

Olympic champion Kelly Clark continued her dominance of women's halfpipe snowboarding with a huge win over Gretchen Bleiler at the final stop of the US Snowboarding Grand Prix at Killingtion. Michael Goldschmidt put down a strong second run to knock off first run leader Elijah Teter who eventually finished third. Unlike last years event, this year had amazing East Coast weather with bluebird skies which made for excellent riding conditions and great spectating.

Kelly Clark's win earned her the back-to-back overall Grand Prix titles. It seems like she's a shoe-in for the 2010 Olympic snowboard team. Aspen Colorado Native Gretchen Bleiler rode well, but not quite well enough to knock Kelly Clark out of the top spot. Rounding out the top three was 14 year old Madeline Schaffrick. We first saw Madeline Schaffrick emerge on the scene at the Copper Grand Prix where she finished 4th. Looks like her riding has progressed throughout the season earning her the right to podium with fellow olympians.

In the men's division it was a throw down between 2 Vermont natives; Michael Goldschmidt and Elijah Teter. Elijah had a great first run placing him in the top sport. On Michael Goldschmidt's second run, he put together a sick combo to move him into the top spot. Colorado local Matt Ladely decided he didn't want this to be a Vermont homecoming party and rocked a front 9, back 9, front 10, and cab 7 to finish second.

Unfortunately the top two riders on the Grand Prix Tour who were tied for the overall title were both absent from the final Grand Prix. Both Louie Vito and Steve Fisher were in Spain for a FIS World Cup. It's unfortunate that US Snowboarding and FIS had to schedule contest on the same weekend. It's even more unfortunate that FIS is gaining more control in the snowboard world. More on that later.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 U.S. SNOWBOARDING GRAND PRIX - PRESENTED BY SPRINT

Killington Resort, VT - March 14, 2009
Halfpipe




L to R: Elijah Teter, Michael Goldschmdt, Matt Ladley
Men

1. Michael Goldschmidt, 43.40
2
2. Matt Ladley, 42.10
3. Elijah Teter, 40.50
4. Ross Baker, 37.00
5. Tyler Troy, 32.10


L to R: Madeline Schaffrick, Kelly Clark, Gretchen Bleiler
Women

1. Kelly Clark, 45.70

2. Gretchen Bleiler, 35.50

3. Madeline Schaffrick, Colo, 32.10

4. Lizzy Beerman, 29.30

5. Kaitlyn Farrington, 27.60


Related Links:
Copper Grand Prix
Copper Grand Prix Progression Session Video
Copper Mtn. US Grand Prix Progression Session 2008 Photos
Copper Mtn. US Grand Prix Halfpipe Photos
Copper Grand Prix Men's Halfpipe Video
Copper Mtn. Grand Prix Women's Halfpipe Recap Video

Boreal Grand Prix
Boreal Grand Prix Photo Gallery

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