Guseli Relinquishes Yellow Bib as Totsuka Reigns in Aspen

ASPEN: The race for the FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup title has taken a dramatic turn, with Australian sensation Valentino Guseli surrendering his overall lead to Japan’s Yuto Totsuka following a high-stakes final in Aspen.

Guseli, who entered the competition wearing the prestigious yellow bib, finished just outside the podium in fourth place. The result allowed Totsuka to leapfrog him in the world standings after a dominant performance on the Colorado slopes.

Valentino Guseli of Team Australia competes in his second run of the Aspen Snowmass Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe Finals.

Yuto Totsuka, the 2021 X Games gold medalist, was the man to beat from the outset. Dropping in last, Totsuka laid down a marker with a massive first-run score of 90.50. Having spent much of the season in second place, the Japanese star expressed his relief at finally reaching the top step.

“I’m happy to win this competition because I am always No. 2 this year,” Totsuka said post-race. “I am super happy now. I will do my best at the Olympics.”

The pressure was on Guseli to replicate the form that saw him claim victory in Calgary recently. His opening score of 85.25 initially kept him in the podium conversation, but he was soon eclipsed by Italy’s Alessandro Barbieri (87.25) and Japan’s Shuichiro Shingeno.

In a final attempt to reclaim a podium spot, Guseli improved his score to 86.75 in his second run. While a remarkable display of skill, it was not enough to bridge the gap, leaving the 20-year-old Australian in fourth.

Shuichiro Shigeno (L) is hugged by teammate Yuto Totsuka (R).

With this victory, Totsuka now holds a 50-point lead at the top of the World Cup standings.

1st: Yuto Totsuka (Japan) – 260 points

2nd: Valentino Guseli (Australia) – 210 points

Despite the disappointment of losing the lead, Guseli earned widespread praise for his sportsmanship, immediately heading to the winner’s circle to congratulate his rivals.

The tour now looks ahead to the next leg as Guseli prepares to chase down the yellow bib once more.