Alpine Banzai mens ski turn 2 — Men's Ski Semifinal: Turn 2

The Rahlves Banzai Tour stop #2 went down today. Men’s and women’s ski and snowboarders all charged hard and put on a show for what turned out to be a fairly large number of spectators lining the sides of the course at Alpine Meadows. “Fun”, “sketchy” and/or “gnarly” were some of the preferred adjectives from the competitors when speaking about the course today.

Temperatures were on the rise from yesterday and the track softened up nicely, resulting in a slightly more manageable ride in the mogul field, but larger holes and ruts in the turns on the upper section of the course in Wolverine Bowl.

alpine banzai men's snowboard turn 1 — Men's Snowboard Finals: Turn 1

Banzai’s are always impressive to watch. The speed and aggression that the competitors lay down in undeniably rough conditions requires both the highest levels of fitness and technical ability combined with a bit of a loose screw, no guts no glory mental toughness.

Alpine Banzai men's straightline — Sending the washboard: Men's ski finals (large crowd on the ridge)

In the photo above you can see John Bochenek and Kyle Smaine straightlining the roughest section of course. Jesse Maddex and Marcus Caston are on the upper portion of the mogul field.

Again, John Bochenek and Kyle Smaine coming in hot during the men’s ski final. Bochenek had the lead and almost pulled it off but a rut hooked his tip in the turn sending him tumbling into the fence. The photographer in the frame had to move pretty fast to get out of the way. I think he missed the shot. I know I did.

Alpine Banzai Bochenek in fence — That fencing works pretty well though

An impressive crash for sure but he was alright. Another rough go of it was Skier Toby LaMar higher up on the hill. LaMar went off course during a semifinal heat and took a tumble over some rocks. He gave a fist pump during the sled ride and stood up when he got to the bottom. Hope he’s back at it soon.

On the whole the day was filled with fast, clean, and ripping race runs.

Alpine banzai men's ski turn 5 — Men's ski semifinal heat: Turn 3 | Rahlves chasing with the camera rolling

Alpine Banzai snowboard pass on turn 5 — Men's Snowboard: Turn 4 | Pass in progress

Results:

Men’s Ski:

Kyle Smaine
Jesse Maddex
Marcus Caston
John Bochenek
Justin Roach
Danny Graebel
Greg Lindsey
Toby LaMar

Danny Graebel also won the Popchips jump award for throwing 2 backflips and a 360 on course during the men’s small final. He was tailing Roach. Lindsey and LaMar did not ski the small final. Good show and a year supply of chips. Not bad Danny!