19 year old Roope Tonteri has fought off the likes of Mark McMorris to win the TTR 5 Star 2012 Burn River Jump contest in Livigno.

In a nail-biting final, the young Fin held his nerve to throw down a huge Cab 1260 followed by a Backside 900 over the River “Spoel” finishing with a Boardslide 270 on to win himself first place and a cool $15000 and an all important 800 TTR points.

Thousands of spectators lines the course, which included the unique feature of a kicker of the river Spoel on the second hit, and were treated to an extremely tight contest. Judging was based on the two kickers, while riders enjoyed a jib park at the bottom to end their runs off with a bit of stease. The competitors were evntually narrowed down into a knockout super final, where Tonteri, McMorris, Stale Sandbech and Ulrik Badertscher went head to head. Only Badertscher could get close to the Fin, nailing a Backside 1080, a double Backside Rodeo 900 and a cab 270 hardway, but missed out on top spot by just one point to take second.

In typical Finnish fashion, Tonteri, who also came third in the slopestyle event, prepared for the contest by taking a sauna in the morning. He said: “My heart is beating so fast. I am happy to be here. I feel really good at the River Jump…but I didn’t expect this victory. Ulrik’s run was so strong.”

In addition to the main event, riders were also judged for the Burn Jib Master award, which went to McMorris for his switch hardway 270 on 270 out on the down-rail, netting him an extra $3000.

Final Results of the BURN RIVER JUMP 2012

1.Roope Tonteri/FIN BURTON 91.33 points
2.Ulrik Badertscher/NOR BURN 90.33
3.Mark McMorris/CAN BURTON 65.00
4.Staale Sandbech/NOR BURN 17.67
5.Stefano Munari/ITA NITRO 71.33