Mt. Baker, WA - With conditions varying from Bear Mountain to classic Cascadia, the 22nd running of the Legendary Banked Slalom was highlighted by the victories of both a veteran competitor and the opening salvo of a local prodigy. (Additionally the event was equally highlighted with a unique "overpass-corkscrew" turn integrated into the final pitch above the Toilet Bowl turn. Envision a frozen hotwheels track leave it to the Howats to keep this grande dame fresh)

With Whistler resident Maelle Ricker's first LBS Women's Pro, she added the duct tape and a Scott Rowley custom surf shape to her existing pile of hardware (including X Games Boardcross wins and a fourth place halfpipe finish at the 2002 Turino Games). And with 18-year old lifetime Glacier local Lucas Debari's victory in the Men's dept, came the localest of pro champions since Temple Cummins or even Craig Kelly himself. With Terje (who finished seventh) noting in the parking lot, moments before he lit out for an Oslo flight (and the impending birth of his third child), "Lucas had a smoking run I think he took it". The Viking's predictions came true with the White Salmon Lodge erupting over Lucas's win. No doubt Milano's went off hard until well into the night.

Congrats to both Lucas and Maelle.

left P. Joe Briggs R. Lucas Debari
right P. Greg Miller R. TRice