Gotlieb Does It Again For NZ

Laax, SUI Ohakunes Shelly Gotlieb once again proved that shes got what it takes, finishing fifth in Snowboard Slopestyle at the Burton European Open (BEO) and moving her world ranking up to number six.

Gotliebs performance today earned her valuable points towards both the Burton Global Opens Series title (US$ 200,000 prize-money) and the Swatch Ticket To Ride World Championship titles.

She was pleased with her performance commenting, "I could have executed a cleaner run, but am very happy with the day overall.

There was lots of great riding from the girls, it was amazing."

Shelly Gotlieb showing she's got what it takes, Photo Credit: Stef Zeestraten

After an exciting day of competition, Enni Rukajrvi from Finland secured her first win at the BEO, Sina Candrian (SUI) took second and Sarka Pancochova (CZE) rounded out the podium.

The slopestyle course was in perfect shape and every single rider seemed to have lots of fun.

Gotliebs teammate, Stef Zeestraten also competed in the BEO but just barely missed the cut during the mens semi-finals and was therefore unable to compete in the finals.

Both Gotlieb and Zeestraten now board a plane for North America where Gotlieb will start training for the prestigious X-Games and Zeestraten will join teammates Nick Brown and Nick Hyne at the first ever Snowboard Slopestyle World Cup in Calgary, Alberta.

Gotlieb getting some air at the Burton European Open, Photo Credit: Stef Zeestraten

Womens Slopestyle Finals Results
1. Rukajrvi, Enni FIN ROXY 93.17
2. Candrian, Sina SUI BURTON 78.50
3. Pancochova, Sarka CZE FLOW 74.50
4. Wiik, Lisa NOR Skarnes ROXY 63.83
5. Gotlieb, Shelly NZL Ohakune BURTON 62.67
6. van Gils, Charlotte NED Rotterdam 1986 K2 F 45.50
7. Ramholt, Tina SUI HORSEFEATHERS 41.00
8. Karlinski, Jordie USA Snowmass Village NIKITA 33.33

Mens Slopestyle Finals Results
1. Piiroinen, Peetu FIN BURTON F 93.00
2. Bang, Mikkel NOR BURTON F 92.00
3. Braaten, Gjermund NOR OAKLEY F 87.83

LINKS:
www.opensnowboarding.com
www.snowsports.co.nz
www.nzsbu.com