Peyragudes France- Louis Pilloni (USA) beat an incredibly tough international field to win the first IGSA World Cup of the 2009 season. Erik Lundberg (SWE) made his first appearance in a final since Australia in 2008 to earn second place and Martin Siegrist (SUI) finished third. Number one qualifier Mischo Erban (CAN) crashed and had to settle for fourth.
Pilloni being interviewed immediately after winning the race. Photo Marcus Rietema
In the Consolation Final Jonathan Martinez (FRA) won the heat and finished fifth overall. James Kelly (USA) finished sixth, Sebastian Hertler (GER) seventh and Jackson Shapiera (AUS) rounded out the top eight.
Peyragudes is the first IGSA World Cup victory for Pilloni who resides in Los Angeles, California. He’s on his first trip to Europe and has been completely stoked just to be competing in France. He described his win as a, “Dream come true!” He now has the momentum going into next weeks World Cup race in Argonay, France.
Jonathan Martinez was stoked to win the Consolation Final in his native country. Photo Marcus Rietema
Two of the biggest upsets of the day occurred in the Quarter Finals. Number six qualifier Patrick Switzer crashed and was eliminated. Reigning World Champion and seventh place qualifier Scoot Smith crashed out in the final corner while running in third place. He wound up 14th in the final standings. Switzer was credited with thirteenth.
Both Smith and Switzer were eliminated in the quarter finals. Photo Marcus Rietema
The race was an exciting kick off to the 2009 IGSA World Cup Season. Next weeks race in Argonnay, France promises to be equally exciting.