Benny Phillips will be a name to remember after the sponsor-less rider stormed the Teva Best Trick Challenge to take the win in Session One with a 360 Double Downside Whip. His attempts at Front Flip Tail-whips were impressive, but not stomped. The newcomer burst onto the slope-style scene tonight and shares the Best Trick Showdown podium with Cam Zink, one of the best slope riders in the world. Phillips recently moved to Whistler from Melbourne AUS.
“He was basically living at the Air-dome and Brian noticed his determination and skill,” says Brett Tippie, professional rider. “This got the wheels turning for Benny to get invited as an alternate rider for the Joyride event this Saturday.”
Cam Zink, winner of Session Two at the Best Trick Showdown, is no stranger to the podium and his winning run featured a risky Front Flip off the final step down feature. “To throw down that trick before the Joyride event is pretty risky but he was totally committed and it paid off for him,” says Tippie.
Andreu Lacondeguy pulls off a high-flying superman. Photo by John Ker/Mountain Bike Action
The Best Trick Showdown is a peer-judged, two-session, best trick jam where the winner of each session comes away with $4,000.
Some of the highlights from the event include:
• Cam Zink’s winning run – Front Flip
• Benny Phillip’s winning run - 360 Double Downside Whip
• Greg Watts - Backflip No Hander Late Barspin
• Kyle Strait - Double Tail Whip
• Flip Whips from 15 year old Anthony Messere and Mitch Chubey
Due to rain earlier in the day, the Qualifiers were unable to run before the Best Trick today. They have been rescheduled for Friday, July 22 from 2:30-3:30pm to determine the riders advancing to compete in the Joyride event on Saturday, July 23.
With the riders getting more mileage in on the Joyride course and getting dialed in on the jumps after competing in the Best Trick Showdown today July 21, they will be good and ready to unleash their bag of tricks on Saturday July 23 at the Joyride event.
Best Trick 'Show Down' Results:
1. Zink Cameron USA Reno - EVIL BIKES (Front Flip)
2. Montgomery Mike USA San Diego - BANSHEE
3. Groves Casey CAN Kelowna - TRANSITION
4. Mcgarry Kelly NZL Nelson - DIAMONDBACK
5. Dueck Sam CAN Chilliwack - NORCO
6. Granieri Yannick FRA Craponne - COMMENCAL