Steve Fisher, Shaun White showdown to kick off inaugural Winter Dew Tour series
Steve Fisher was declared the world's top-ranked snowboarder by the United States Ski & Snowboard Assn. heading into the 2008-09 season, which ought to provide Shaun White some extra incentive whenever the two are in the same competition.
"I’m pumped about leading the U.S. rankings going into this season because the Olympics are just one year away," Fisher said. "So hopefully I can hang on to this momentum through next season and bring home a medal in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics."
White, who has been more selective in terms of competition, was ranked No. 6 by the USSA. But to get a gauge of who is the world's best halfpipe rider, just pay attention to the more visible competitions this season, notably the inaugural Winter Dew Tour event Dec. 18-21 at Breckenridge in Colorado, and the Winter X Games Jan. 22-25 at Aspen/Snowmass.
White, who won the Olympic gold medal in 2006 and struck X Games gold last January, reportedly is taking the three-event Dew series seriously. He has committed to all three competitions and could become the first to win a Dew Cup in both the summer (skateboarding) and winter versions of the Dew Tour.
Fisher, who won X Games gold in 2007, regards Breckenridge as his home mountain and will enjoy raucous local support. So the Dew kickoff event -- the series also includes free-skiing disciplines -- ought to feature at least one compelling showdown.
--Pete Thomas
Photo: Steve Fisher stands atop the podium after winning the gold medal at the 2007 Winter X Games. Next to him at left is silver medalist Shaun White and, at right, bronze medalist Mason Aguirre. Credit: ESPN Images
