The final stop on the Rahlves Banzai tour turned out as one of the best yet, as Sugar Bowl hosted the Silver Belt Banzai on Sunday, March 10. A large crowd enjoyed exceptional weather and incredible high-speed action. Tahoe TV's extensive video coverage provides a complete look at the finals.

From the Official Banzai release...

Rahlves’ Banzai Tour Finishes Strong
Truckee, Calif. (March 12, 2013) –Throughout the past two months, skiers, snowboarders and spectators alike have descended upon the Tahoe area to compete in and watch the rowdiest race in the Sierra. Rahlves’ Banzai Tour brought in tough competition from across the country to four renown Lake Tahoe resorts for the ultimate test of ski and riding skills.  The tour also entertained guests with quintessential pre and après ski parties, exciting results, and photo finishes. 

Starting at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, athletes were challenged by “The Wall,” which proved to be one of the most challenging races to date, as competitors had to drop into an intimidating 20 ft. vertical wall right out of the gate. For the second tour stop hosted at Alpine Meadows, athletes were tested with fast and rough terrain, while spectators were entertained with the closest and most dramatic photo finish in Banzai history. With warm spring-like weather on the first day of the Palisades Tahoe tour stop, and formidable conditions on Sunday, Squaw tested the resilience of Rahlves’ Banzai Tour, as well as the dedication of tour participants. However, with fresh snow in the forecast, Rahlves’ Banzai Tour rallied for the final tour stop at Sugar Bowl Resort, home of the original Silver Belt Banzai. 

The Sugar Bowl Final and Super Final concluded the tour in true Banzai style, complete with strong competition paired with music, barbecue, libations and the beloved Banzai atmosphere of camaraderie and healthy competition. Banzai veterans Johnny Bochenek, Kyle Coxon and John Lange took the top spots for men’s skiing during the Silver Belt, which also qualified Lange as the final athlete to compete in the Super Final. Men’s snowboarded Chelone Miller raced to first in the Silver Belt, while women’s snowboarder Kiana Putman and women’s skier Shannon Rahlves both secured the top spot in their respective categories. The men’s Super Final provided drama and a $5,000 paycheck to Salt Lake City skier Kyle Coxon.

“The Sugar Bowl final and Super Final were awesome,” said Daron Rahlves. “It was a beautiful day, fans lined the course and the athletes delivered a great show. I wanted to be skiing in the Super Final, but instead was an excited fan like the rest watching and stoked for Kyle Coxon taking home the 5 grand. I will be back in the Super Final next year so those boys better start training now ha, ha.  I’m so grateful to my wife and kids for the endless support, all the sponsors, the fans and athletes for making this year’s tour the best yet. ”

 
2013 Sugar Bowl Silver Belt Banzai Top Finishers included:


1. Men's Ski: 1st Johnny Bochenek; 2nd Kyle Coxon; 3rd John Lange
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2. Men's Snowboard: 1st Chelone Miller; 2nd Sylvain Duclos; 3rd Lucas Dehmlow
3. Women's Ski: 1st Shannon Rahlves; 2nd Shelly Robertson; 3rd Hannah Jermstad

4. Women's Snowboard: 1st Kiana Putman; 2nd Macy Price; 3rd Carrie Hall.

2013 RBT Overall Tour Top Finishers included:


1. Men's Ski: 1st Johnny Bochenek; 2nd Kyle Coxon; 3rd John Lange

2. Men's Snowboard: 1st Chelone Miller; 2nd Lucas Dehmlow; 3rd Adam DeVargas

3. Women's Ski: 1st Shannon Rahlves; 2nd Shelly Robertson; 3rd Hannah Jermstad,
4. Women's Snowboard: 1st Casey Lucas; 2nd Macy Price; 3rd Anna Weber

2013 RBT total prize purse winnings:

Men Ski
Johnny Bochenek     $14,000
Kyle Coxon      $9,500
Jesse Maddex     $3,900
John Lange     $2,600

Men Snowboard
Chelone Miller     $8,000
Lucas Dehmlow     $2,850
Adam DeVargas     $2,150

Women Ski
Shannon Rahlves     $6,700
Shelly Robertson     $2,150
Hannah Jermstad     $950

Women Snowboard
Casey Lucas     $2,550
Macy Price     $1,000
Iris Lazzareschi     $700

For those who are curious about the tour’s name, Banzai is a Japanese term expressed as an exuberant cheer meaning, “Long Life!” or “Hurray!”  An apt name for a high-spirited downhill ski and snowboard competition, the Silver Belt Race first took place in the 1940s at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and was re-introduced with the head-to-head action by Daron Rahlves and Sugar Bowl in 2009. The race continued with one event for another year, and then Rahlves decided to take the show on the road, officially launching Rahlves’ Banzai Tour and expanding to stops at four of Lake Tahoe's premier resorts.

The Rahlves Banzai tour is presented by Bank of The West. The Rahlves Banzai Tour is also supported by sponsors such as Red Bull, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Contour, CEP “intelligent sportswear”, North Lake Tahoe Chamber/VCB/Resort Association, Spyder, Atomic, Start Haus Ski Shop, Wend Wax, COAL, SVE/BOSE, The Bar Effect, World Cup Supply, Jagermeister, Snow Fest, Sports Insurance, Technical Equipment Cleaners, Resort at Squaw Creek, ZINKA, 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio, Tahoe TV, POWDER Mag, High Fives Foundation and CRUX Events, thereby creating an alluring $80,000 prize purse. For more information, to check out previous race results, videos and to register, visit www.rahlvesbanzai.com. For up-to-the-minute news, “Like” The Rahlves’ Banzai Tour on Facebook and follow @RahlvesBanzai on Twitter.