The world’s best halfpipe snowboarders began their Olympic qualifying campaigns today in the first halfpipe event of the World Cup season at China’s Secret Garden resort, the home of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.
A field of 64 snowboarders was narrowed down to 10 for today’s final, featuring a star-studded men’s lineup including Scotty James and Beijing gold medalist Ayumu Hirano.
But despite the likes of Scotty and Ayumu in attendance it was Yuto Totsuka who walked away with top spot, proving he’s still a major threat in the ditch. Hirano, James and Totsuka are some of the standout names among the men’s field of 37 snowboarders hoping to put their FIS points towards one of the 24 men’s halfpipe spots available at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Check out the highlights below.
In the women’s event USA’s Maddie Maestro who secured top spot ahead of China’s Cai Xuetong and fellow countryman Madeline Schaffrick. 23-year-old Mastro, who finished third in Secret Garden last season and second on the overall halfpipe rankings, is one of female halfpipe riding’s most consistent performers and has now kicked off her Olympic qualification hopes with a bang.
Next stop on the Halfpipe Calendar is the Copper Mountain Grand Prix, USA from Dec 18-20. Stay tuned to transfermag.com for details on how to watch.
