La Molina World Cup Sunday

Hola from Spain! I’m getting ready for the last World Cup race of the season tomorrow at La Molina, Spain. It’s full-on spring here now. The snow didn’t freeze last night, which made for some interesting turns this morning. It’s supposed to rain tonight; I’m having flashbacks of Cypress. Might not be ideal racing conditions tomorrow and on a tough hill, but I’ll go for it as I always do and make the most of it. It’s ironic, racing my final World Cup in such difficult conditions, one last challenge indeed; I’m looking forward to it.

I had a fun week in France in-between World Cup races. I visited my friends in Paris for a night en route to Biarritz to rendez-vous with my buddy Gilles Jaquet for some Pay Basque surf and good food. I spent a few months in Paris living with my friend Vincent and his family in 1991 after graduating from high school. I haven’t seen him since. It was great catching up, meeting his kids and touring Paris a pied encore une fois. My French was rusty, but I managed at least not to starve. I had some fun surf with Gilles in Pay Basque. We scored nice weather and fun waves. After breaking my wrist in December I was a little concerned how I would do popping up on the board, but it felt perfect. My arms weren’t exactly in surf shape, but I was stoked to be back in the water again. I’m looking forward hopefully to more kiting and surfing this spring.

I race my final World Cup tomorrow with a bit of sadness and yet excitement for what’s ahead. It has been an amazing twenty year ride on the World Cup. I’ve met great friends and traveled the world doing what I love. I’ll miss being in the World Cup starting gate next season, but looking forward to some new starting gates ahead. US Nationals are March 26th and 27th at Steamboat. It will be a fun final celebration. My 10th Annual Aspen Spring Snowboard Camp 2010 is April 2-4 at Buttermilk Mtn., Aspen, CO. Hope to see you there! Join us for one, two or full three day session. I’ll be at USASA Nationals April 5th and 6th at Copper Mtn., CO promoting life-saving donation at our Chris Klug Foundation booth. Stop by and say hi if you’re there. Happy Spring!

CK

Valmalenco, Italy Opening Ceremony

View from top of Valmalenco Tram

Tour Eiffel

La Molina, Spain Race Hill