Cattleman’s 2012 Preview

July 12th, 2012

Cattleman’s Rail Jam is on this Saturday, July 14 at the Village Square in Mount Buller. It occupies a special place in the history of Australian snowboarding and another page will be written this weekend. If you are anywhere near Mount Buller this weekend, get down to the Village Square at 6pm to witness the best that Australian snowboarding has to offer.

Transfer Snowboard Magazine | Alex Cameron

The Cattleman’s Rail Jam is the stalwart of Australian jibbing. It is a serious event held on a serious feature. Over its six year history, it has been won by seriously good snowboarders. That’s what makes it one of the highlights of the Australian contest calendar. This year’s event promises to be a cracker, with all the riders except past champions having to qualify on the Cattleman’s replica feature. With just a few days to go before the event, we thought we’d run you through what to expect from this year’s contest.

The view from the drop in. This is the colosseum for action tomorrow night. Photo Jake McBride.

Over the first few years of the Cattleman’s Rail Jam, it was 270s onto this centre rail that won the contest. Heavy hitters like Charles Beckinsale, Mikey Williams and Chris Boadle set the benchmark with balls-to-the-wall riding. For two years, local legend Robbie Walker took out the event with precision riding, technical tricks and a few crowd pleasing backflips. Then came Tom Pelley whose progressive approach to the feature handed him the title in 2010. At last years event, Jye Kearney was the clear stand out. But this year, anything could happen…

The Cattleman’s Replica Feature is open in Mount Buller Park for riders to practice in preparation for qualifiers on Saturday. Photo Burton Australia.

After the riders qualify, the contest will go down at 6pm. Once it is light, camera, actions and all eyes are on the Cattleman’s Rail, there is no telling what may go down. The insider’s tip is to keep an eye on defending champ Jye Kearney. He knows the feature well and is going to Buller to win. The same goes for Tom Pelley – if he is in the zone, he is a threat on the feature. Jason Maxfield really impressed last year and if he raises this weekend he is also a chance. There is likely to be an influx of new names for this years contest – keep an eye out for Louis Macindoe to do something crazy… Having said that, it is really anybody’s night tomorrow night. It will be a case of waiting to see who steps up to the challenge.

Mount Buller Park crew shape this square in Mount Buller’s village to perfection for the Cattleman’s Rail Jam. Photo Jake McBride.

If you can’t make it down to Buller this weekend, stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram and stay on #crj2012 for regular updates. Transfer will be at the event this weekend regularly updating you on what is going down. Should be good!

Riders scraping their options. The level of innovation on this feature over the years has been incredible. Photo Jake McBride.

The moments before the action begins. It’s a pretty exciting time. Photo Jake McBride.

Last year, Pete Long helped drive the progression of the Cattleman’s Rail Jam by sending it to the flats from the top deck. He ended up on the podium as a result. Photo Jake McBride.

Greg Murray pushed the limits by attempting this transfer from the top closeout rail down to the kink. Photo Jake McBride.

Jye Kearney, the 2011 Champion, will be one to watch at Cattleman’s this year. The kid is a freakish talent. Photo Jake McBride.

Tim Laidlaw was last year’s best trick winner. This year he’ll be judging the event thanks to an ankle injury. Photo Jake McBride.

Jason Maxfield was definitely a stand out at the 2011 event. He finished just off the podium but demonstrated that he belongs in the top 3. He’ll be another one to watch at this year’s event. Photo Jake McBride.

Key Info

Admin: Rider Registration: 9am out the front of Freeride

Heat 1: 11am – Top 5 move into semi final
Heat 2: 11:45am – Top 5 move into semi final
Heat 3: 12:30pm – Top 5 move into semi final
Heat 4: 1:45pm – Top 5 move into semi final
Semi Final 2:30pm – Top 10 move into night-time final.
Top Ten Announced 3:30pm
Rider Brief: 5:30pm
Warm up: 5:45pm
Event Start: 6pm
Top Section Open 6:30pm
Event Ends: 7:30pm
Presentations: 7:45pm
After Party: 8:30pm

For last year’s event wrap up, click here

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