DC snowboarders Travis Rice and Torstein Horgmo claimed the top two spots Thursday night at the Winter X Games 13 Big Air Finals. DC pro Rice edged out the 2008 Gold medalist and DC teammate, Horgmo, for this year’s title.

Rice and Horgmo were the last two riders standing after a four-man, head-to-head two- run bracketed elimination. Rice was able to come out with the Gold medal after launching two huge double backside rodeo 1080’s in the finals over the 85-ft step up gap.

Looking for a repeat of last year, Horgmo went for a switch backside 1260, but washed out slightly on the landing. In his second run, he nailed a super clean switch backside 1080 and looked to challenge Rice with his technical precision.

Fans across the US and on-site were able to text their votes in to decide this year’s winner. When the results were tallied, Rice took out Horgmo for the win.

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From The Denver Post
By Scott Willoughby

French mountaineering company Millet is hoping climbers will put their faith and their feet in the new BOA 1st (MSRP: $105), the first rock-climbing shoe on the market to feature the BOA lacing system.

After making a splash in the snowboard and ski boot market in recent years, the revolutionary BOA system will attempt to get a toehold in the climbing world this spring.

The wire-lace ratchet system is known for distributing equal pressure throughout the laces with an efficient turn of a knob and a quick release in a single move. A reinforced tongue and padded collar help keep the hot spots at bay on these 17-ounce (pair) suede, nylon and rubber shoes designed for technical climbing both indoors and out. A slightly asymmetric design, includes a flexible gum sole, heel and top panel for toe smearing.

Get it: At Backcountry Experience in Durango, or on the Web at prolitegear.com, backcountry.com or climbingshoes.com.

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Boa Technology, Inc., makers of the award-winning, patented Boa Lacing System, has retained Backbone Media, of Carbondale, Colorado, to manage all public relations efforts. The move follows the recent hiring of industry veteran Garett Graubins as Marketing Manager.

“We needed a partner that thoroughly understands the many categories in which we play, knows our product first-hand, and is not afraid to challenge the status quo,” said Boa Technology Founder and CEO Gary Hammerslag. “Backbone’s ability to do all of the above impressed us and we’re thrilled to begin work with them.”

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