London, UK – Slovenian snowboarder Marco Grilc on Saturday clinched the 2011 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup season’s first big air contest, held on a giant ramp in London.nGrilc secured his career’s first World Cup triumph with a score of 54.9 by nailing a backside 1080 double cork in the last run of final, earning the highest score of the contest: 29.3 points. At the highlight of the three-day Relentless Freeze Festival at Battersea Power Station in London, rising Norwegian star Staale Sandbech finished second with 53.9 and Belgian rider Seppe Smits rounded out the podium in third with 50.3.

The field of 68 riders from 14 countries took to the ramp for the third straight World Cup snowboard season in the heart of the British capital. An estimated 15,000 spectators not only witnessed 900s and 1080s but also a whole bunch of double corks as well as some nicely executed 1260s.

Grilc, who missed the entire practice session, was nonetheless the day’s standout rider. “Grilo” was able to hit the jump only twice in order to build up his momentum.

“That wasn’t a big problem. I kind of have always troubles to feel the jump,” said the 27-year-old reigning Air & Style champion, who in addition to his final backside 1080 double cork also stomped a switch backside 1080 double cork in his first attempt of the finals to clear memories of one of the most bitter moments of his snowboard career. Two years ago, at the same contest, Grilc dislocated his right hip while competing at the first big air in London.

“Well, it was time for some big emotions,” said a relieved Grilc. “I’m so stoked. Even more, because the level of riding was incredible. The other riders killed it!”

Sandbech, the reigning Slopestyle Junior World Champion, showed his style Saturday at his first ever big air World Cup, earning second place. A clean cab 900 melon and a smooth backside 1080 mute impressed not only the crowd in London but also the judges.

“I was struggling with the set-up in the training sessions,” acknowledged Sandbech. “But fortunately it worked out in the finals. I’m stoked about the result. The level of riding was so high and the crowd here in London was just amazing!”

The LG Snowboard FIS World Cup will now continue next week in Saas-Fee. The season’s first halfpipe competition is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in the Swiss glacier village’s Freestyle Park Allalin.

Official Results
2011 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup
Relentless Freeze Festival – London, UK
Men’s Big Air – Finals – Oct. 30, 2010

1. GRILC Marko SLO
2. SANDBECH Staale NOR
3. SMITS Seppe BEL
4. GRIMSRUD Per­Iver NOR
5. KORPI Janne FIN
6. MACHO Michael AUT
7. NICHOLLS Jamie GBR
8. BRAATEN Gjermund NOR
9. DE LE RUE Victor FRA
10. SCHATTSCHNEIDER Clemens AUT
11. CAVIGELLI Gian­Luca SUI
12. TOUTANT Sebastien CAN