2005 US OPEN RAIL JAM

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Some of the best rail riders in the world strapped in beneath the lights at Stratton Mountain, Vermont last night for the 3rd annual US Open Rail Jam. While the US Open is celebrating its 23rd year, the rail jam is still in its infancy, replacing quarterpipes of the past. Shaun White was the first rider to kick off the jam, dropping in with a 50-50 nosepress on the flat down ledge, but uncharacteristically fell on his 270 out, and was MIA the duration of the event. Zach Leach was doing Leach slides, Nik Batko was throwing lipslides, and Danny Kass pressed backside tailslides on the flat down ledge.

But in the end, Pennsylvania native Eddie Wall claimed his first US Open title and $10,000. Eddie hit as many rails as possible and impressed judges like Jeremy Jones with his styley 270s and a tailpress to backside 180 out on the down-flat ledge. The win was not easy for Wall who left part of his face on the staircase, but in the end Eddie’s diligence paid off. Vermont local, Yale Cousinio placed 2nd throwing trick combos like his frontside boardslide to 50-50 to 270 off. “The contest was so much fun, the crowd was cheering me on, and I was landing all my tricks," said Cousinio. "I’ve never been to the rail jam at the US Open. I had so much fun. It was awesome!” 13 year-old Jed Anderson, from Calgary, Canada beat out all the heavies, taking 3rd. Crowd favorite Chris Rotax won the SoBe Sick Trick Award and $2,500 for his backside 450 on the flat-down ledge. TJ Schneider could have been a runner-up with his skate mentality, nollying huge gaps over the rails to the down ledge.

The US Open is all about equal rights and equal prize money. Equal rights meaning the girls not only have to step up to the same rails as the guys, but battle it out for turns. Leanne Pelosi was right up there with Chris Rotax for the most runs in the hour-long jam session.

Persistence paid off, and the winning streak continued for Leanne Pelosi who has won every rail jam she entered in the last year and a half, including the 2004 US Open. “I am so shocked because everyone was riding really well and I only landed a few tricks. I can’t believe it," exclaimed Pelosi. "I was bummed because I was expected to do well and I totally thought I like sh-t the bed, so I am so, so, soooo happy!” The field of ladies was strong with Jaime MacLeod, Erin Comstock, Torah Bright, and Colleen Quigley laying it on the line. Hana Beaman consistently landed her tricks, including a 50-50 to nosepress on the flat-down ledge, earning 2nd. Spencer O’Brien, who slid a smooth smith placed 3rd edging Marie-France Roy out of a podium position. Alexis Waite won the SoBe Best Trick and $2,500 for her clean 5-0 on the down ledge.

Results:

Men

1. Eddie Wall $10,000
2. Yale Cousino $5,000
3. Jed Anderson $2,000
4. Sylvain Beauchesne $1,000

SoBe Sick Trick

Chris Rotax $2,500

Women

1. Leanne Pelosi $10,000
2. Hana Beaman $5,000
3. Spencer O’Brien $2,000
4. Marie-France Roy $1,000

SoBe Sick Trick

Alexis Waite $2,500

*The winners also scored Motorolla phones