Rolland begins Dew Cup defens campaign with opening win in Breckenridge

After two days of qualifying, they started giving away medals today (Dec. 17) at the opening stop of the 2012 Winter Dew Tour in Breckenridge, Colo. French pipe skier and defending Dew Cup champion, Kevin Rolland drew first blood with the superpipe gold.

Rolland secured his third career Dew Tour gold medal with a top score of 94.50 in his second run thanks to a monster switch 9 on his first hit, followed by a switch 720 and a pair of doubles.

“I can do a double flare on both sides and a double cork on the left side, so in my mind I was like, ‘Ok, if I can do these three tricks, maybe I can do these three tricks in a row,’“ Rolland said. “So it was my goal and I did it.”

Justin Dorey was six points back to take the silver medal while Duncan Adams was only a half a point behind in third.

“It feels amazing to put down a run in my first contest of the year, regardless of what it is,” Dorey said. “I’m happy with my switch dub. I finally grabbed it and landed it on top of my feet, and wasn’t backseat. That’s a first for me.”

U.S. Freesking athlete and last season’s Dew Tour overall pipe runner-up, Simon Dumont wasn’t in top form today, fighting an injured hand and skiing without poles. He finished 10th with 69 points.

Freeskiing competition continues tomorrow in Breckenridge with the slopestyle competition.

Image by Alli Sport