Sylvie Paillard
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Pro snowboarder Tom Velisek attended the 10th annual Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado last week. And although the local athlete didn't win, he said has no regrets.
"I didn't win like I expected and wanted," he said. "Still, I had fun and went for it despite falling while trying."
The X Games is an extreme sports competition produced by ESPN mainly for broadcast. Velisek gave his share of good T.V. by delivering a self-professed "very nice pass" to finish seventh out of 12 in one of his races.
"I guess I will have to wait till next year to win it here, as I am invited now for X-Games 11."
Velisek continues his hectic competition schedule, and fun, with the legendary annual Baker Banked Slalom competition at Mt. Baker, Washington Feb. 3 to 5.
Blue and red gates, similar to those used in any ski or snowboard race, are set on alternating sides of one of Mt. Baker's many natural halfpipes. The result is a course that resembles an ungroomed bobsled run with ruts, bumps and berms awaiting each competitor as they drop in for their race against the clock.
Velisek than jets off to Torino for the 2006 Winter Olympics Feb. 10 to 26.
