S. Tahoe’s Bowman wins U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix

By USSA

COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. – Despite snow and wind Maddie Bowman of South Lake Tahoe displayed great athleticism on Jan. 11 with her left and right 900s that landed her in first at the Visa U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix.

Colorado native and 16 year-old U.S. Rookie team member Aaron Blunck (Crested Butte) beat tough competition and weather to take second in the men’s competition at his third FIS World Cup appearance. Teammate David Wise (Reno) played it safe in the treacherous conditions and placed third place.

Canada’s Mike Riddle won the men’s competition and fellow Canadian Rosalind Groenewoud came in second.

Brita Sigourney (Carmel) was able to secure third with a more conservative second run at the FIS World Cup.

This is the first domestic stop for athletes to gain Olympic qualifying points and AFP Platinum level event points.

Bowman winning run included a right 900 into a left 540 mute-grab, straight air with safety grab, left 900 to right 720 and switch 540.

“My right 900 is a new trick. I learned it last year and I used it for the first time at the Dew Tour and so far it is working out for me,” Bowman said.