James Kelly (USA) continues to impress. Photo Bob Ozman
Teolo, Italy- James Kelly and his teammate Louis Pilloni continue to take downhill skateboarding to a new level. During first round qualifying for today for Sunday’s Padova Grand Prix Kelly and Pilloni qualified first and second. The California duo have taken Europe by storm this Summer with their incredible speed and no hands down style.
Pete Eliot (GBR) leads Will Stephenson (GBR) in the Street Luge Final. Photo Marcus Rietema
Argonay, France- Amazingly veteran Street Luge racer Peter Eliot from London, England had never earned an IGSA World Cup Series victory prior to the Graveyard Call. He was the World Cup Series Champion in 2003 but he won that title with consistent top finishes and no victories.
The Street Luge competition was run in a 2-man format in head to head heat races with the winner advancing to the next round and the loser eliminated. This was the original format utilized in the very first X Games back in 1995. It was the perfect format for the narrow Argonay race course.
Scoot Smith reaches across the line to beat Mischo Erban in the final. Photo Bob Ozman
Argonay, France- Scoot Smith (CAN) nearly crashed out in the final about 25 meters (75') from the finish line but was able to gather it back together to win The Graveyard Call World Cup. He had to win it the hard way racing head to head and beating Adam Yates (AUS), Yvon Labarthe (SUI), James Kelly (USA), Patrick Switzer (CAN) and finally Mischo Erban in seperate two-man heat races. It was the first win for the reigning IGSA World Champion of the 2009 season.
Louis Pilloni crosses the finish line to earn the #1 Qualifying position. Photo Marcus Rietema
Argonay, France- Louis Pilloni (USA) picked up where he left off after winning Peyragudes to earn the number one qualifying position for tomorrows Graveyard Call IGSA World Cup race. Pilloni from Los Angeles, California beat Loaded teammate James Kelly who finished second based on their first qualifying runs.
Pilloni and Kelly have definitely raised the bar this year with their stand up slides, pre drifts and no hands down cornering skills. Three-time World Champion Martin Siegrist (SUI) moved into third when he turned in the fastest time of the second run.
The sun rises over Argonay, France on qualifying day. Photo Marcus Rietema
Argonay, France- It's a beautiful, sunny morning here in France. Todays weather forecast is calling for partly, cloudy skies and a high temperature of 24C (76°F). It should be a perfect day for qualifying.
There were vast differences in riding styles yesterday. It will be very interesting to see who is fastest in qualifying today. Due to the narrow road, two man heats will be utilized so quaifying position will be crucial.
Stay tuned for a full qualifying report this afternoon.
